LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



■$ 



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PRICE, FIFTY CENTS 



MAY 2 1887 



BEYOND: 



RECORD OF REAL LIFE 



BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY 



OVER THE RIVER 



BEYOND. 



K , \ 




i ,0 PUBLISHED KY 

H-. H. KEN YON 

ST. PAUL, MINN. 

1887. 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1887 

By H. H. KENYON, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 

_JL 




John Polhkmus, Printer and Mf'g Stationer, 
102 Nassau Street, N. Y. 



BEYOND. 



I. 

Adelaide's Story. 

My Loved Ones at Home : I know how anxiously you 
are looking for letters from the dear ones here, and I avail 
myself of the first opportunity that has offered to write 
you and give some real information respecting this country 
over the river and Beyond. You wonder how we live and 
whether life here is like that with you. Yes ; life here is 
in many things very much as with you ; so much so that it 
is frequently very amusing to see the amazement of those 
coming here and finding us living in real houses, with sur- 
roundings so much like those where they came from. 
People often have very imperfect ideas of any new country, 
especially so of this. 

We find very much here that brings an agreeable sur- 
prise, perhaps nothing more so than when we see persons 
in possession of a home and surroundings of beauty, who 
were considered quite poor when with you, and were sup- 
posed to be passing through life uncomfortably. True, 
they appeared happy and contented, yet others wondered 
why they were. Their condition was such that there was 
no evidence of accumulated wealth, yet they were ever 
ready to lead the sorrowing from darkness into the bright 
light of hope and trust. They were always more happy 



4 BEYOND. 

among the suffering than the gay, and were always wel- 
comed by such as a gleam of sunshine. 

When these come into this country and learn the laws 
governing all things here and the possibilities that sur- 
round us, they commence to accomplish the many good 
things they were deprived of in the old home with you. 
Many things longed for there are within their reach and 
secured here; hence newcomers here are greatly surprised 
in finding a poor, plain companion of the old home, sur- 
rounded with all the beauty and grandeur that the soul 
could, or did long for before. Honesty of purpose, purity 
of life, and love for the right, instead of the wrong, prove 
to be stepping stones to success here. 

Then, again, all coming here are surprised to find every 
kind of business carried on in this clime, the same as in 
the old place they came from. It seems almost natural 
to think that a new country to those who are not in- 
formed, must have been new and unexplored before they 
came there, and this idea is the cause of many surprises 
here. Here we have all kinds of business in full operation 
and has been for so long a time that there is no experi- 
menting and failing. Here all work because they love to, 
all constantly working for the happiness of others and in 
so doing not only make others happy but are equally 
happy themselves. I have been in many places of busi- 
ness and make my wants known and am presented with 
the article desired. The joy in giving appears to be the 
motive, as they always accompany the gift with, " I hope 
that it may make you happy," and request me to come 
again. 



BEYOND. 5 

When I first came here it was a source of wonder and I 
was very curious to know where all the different things came 
from, but I have since learned that there are places where 
each article is made ; they are not all made in one place. 
Different articles are made by persons who have just the 
conditions to produce certain results. Each place has a 
different condition or atmosphere and the workers are in 
harmony with the place they are in. 

I was one of a company to witness the manufacture of a 
beautiful lace curtain, and this was very interesting to me. 
They work, or seem to work, very much as with you, ex- 
cept that they make no mistakes here. In making this 
lace they appeared to be rubbing their hands togethei*, 
making motions as though they had the material, and 
though I could not see the material, they must have had 
it, because the lace began to fall from their hands beauti- 
fully made, and when finished was given to one of our 
party. One thing surprised me very much and that was 
that the giver appeared more happy if possible than the 
recipient. They appear to be very happy because they 
are in conditions enabling them to produce something that 
others are glad to procure and were engaged in making 
these things before coming here, and receive more satis- 
faction in the work now than before. 

There is one curious fact, however, and that is, we must 
be in the right condition, or they do not offer the article to 
us. If I were to wish for a white satin robe, I would have 
to be pure, for white is ever an emblem of purity. They 
make no mistakes in giving. There is no deception here, 
thei-efore we are careful about asking for things we are 



6 BEYOND. 

not in condition to enjoy, or worthy to have. We seldom 
meet any one in these places who is not in harmony with all 
the surroundings of purity. It sometimes happens that 
persons will ask for something not in harmony with their 
condition; in these cases the refusal is coupled with an ex- 
planation and advice, as to what is required in order to se- 
cure the thing desired, and a request to go and overcome 
the bad condition and then return, when it will be gladly 
given. All are ready to lend a helping hand and give such 
advice as would tend to help those below us in the scale of 
progression. 

There are many things to see and explain when you 
come to us here in the Beyond. "We come with love and 
helpfulness, fully realizing that this way of greeting is only 
a comfort and help to pass the few remaining years before 
you also come to us in the Beyond. Yes, my dear ones, 
we know the many heartaches, the many hours of loneli- 
ness you experience in not seeing us as before we came 
away, but be assured that time passes on the wings of 
swiftness, and soon you will all be here where the pain of 
separation will never come to you more. 

It is a joyous thought that in the Beyond there will be 
no night; that while the orb of day may sink down in 
gloom, and dismal shadows steal over the earth, there is 
no darkness here in our home in the beautiful Beyond. 
From that state of mortality you will emerge into a world 
of glorious light, and the gloom that has overshadowed the 
soul in earth life will be unknown here. No cloud shall 
rise to mar the universal joy; no darkness will steal over 
the radiant skies. Arising as from the slumber of a new 



BEYOND. - n 

born soul, disrobed of the garments of night, you will be 
clothed with the spotless vesture of immortal life. Then 
shall the sadness and shadows of sorrow be no longer 
known, but the radiance of celestial joy and purity shall 
pervade the mighty City of the Soul, and the morning song 
of angels bursting in the glad thrilling music from angels' 
lips and golden harps, shall proclaim that the doleful night 
is passed and the dawn of eternal day has come. 

Murmur not at the loss of loved ones, for though they 
have passed out of sight, they have only passed on before. 
They are not lost, but simply gone to prepare a home for 
you where there are loved ones patiently waiting for your 
earth work to be finished; where you will ever remain one 
of a " family in Heaven." 

Home : surely there is no such place as a loving home. 
In your life there is no charm like that of love and home, 
and when we come to this beautiful Heaven of happiness, 
we retain our love of home and the dear ones left in sor- 
row. We could not be happy, even in all this beauty, if 
we could not in some way return and assist in driving 
away the clouds of sorrow that so often hover over the 
loved ones there. Therefore we are made quite as happy 
as you can be, in being allowed to come to you in this way. 

We rejoice to know that the door stands open and we 
are so welcome to enter, and it shall be our loving duty to 
be ever ready to come to you at all times, and so far as is 
possible, hold aside the curtain that separates us from your 
gaze, and we hope to so come that you cannot doubt the 
fact. We pray for a continuance of our Sunday meetings. 

The heavenly light of dear ones gathers closely around 



6 BEYOND. 

you all. We comprehend the fact that many anxious cares 
are ever closely with you gathered. In your life there is 
much to give you happiness as well as sadness. As on 
you go from door to door you meet with life and death; 
still, on you go and when the angel of new life enters 
your home, it must he met, and with the help of angel 
friends you pass bravely on, stemming the tide, knowing 
that your loved ones have not died but passed on before. 
Yes ; we know the heartaches and sorrow left behind 
when we leave your loving care and could we not in some 
way assure you of our everlasting love we could not be 
happy, though we are in this beautiful land of eternal love. 
We are ever looking forward to the happy opening of the 
golden summer time when your anxious toiling will cease ; 
when the golden gates of new life will open and we can 
bid you enter into the joy and rest that awaits you all on 
this side. 

Life in your country is of such a nature that all coming 
here at first feel that all they care for is rest, perfect rest. 
Soon that condition is secured, then they are ready and 
glad to pass out of a condition of idleness. Some at this 
time begin to build a home. Many do not care for a home 
so much as to be enabled to assist others to enter into a 
condition of restfulness and content. There is very much 
loving work here to do. There are so many constantly 
coming into this life of the Beyond without any knowledge 
of the conditions they are coming into, that there is con- 
stant demand for a helping hand, and loving ones are ever 
ready and glad to assist our fellows to fully understand the 
laws governing this world of the Beyond and happiness. 



BEYOND. 9 

When you come, Edna and myself will be the first to 
meet and lead you to our home, where loving friends will 
be waiting to greet you. Then you will be led into scenes 
of greater beauty than has been described to mortal minds. 
You will have no fear of crossing the river into the Beyond, 
for close beside you there will linger one who will envelop 
you with the light of trustfulness and love ; take you by 
the hand and lead you along the pathway to everlasting life. 

Could I only picture how we live so that you could see 
and fully realize it, I would feel that I was giving you some 
of our sunshine which we are so abundantly supplied with. 
We wait lovingly for the time when we can hold the thin 
curtain one side and welcome you to our home of happiness. 

There is one comforting thought that fills our souls while 
waiting so patiently, and that is that the trials and lessons 
of your life are necessary to complete joy and happiness 
here in the Beyond. Without those lessons you would not 
be fully prepared to enjoy and appreciate all that is await- 
ing your coming. Your troubles should give strength and 
teach you patience. All the lessons of your life have an 
influence that will be clearly understood after you enter 
into the new life that is awaiting all. I will bid you to 
ever look forward to the " happy time coming," ever feel- 
ing that all will be well with you in the happier home-land 
of the Beyond. 

When I look back to the time I was with you in the 
earthly form, and compare, I can see a continual line of 
improvement in my earthly and spiritual home. At times 
darkness would come before my eyes and shut out the 
bright light, but that would soon pass away and leave me 



10 BEYOND. 

and mine all the brighter. All trials are but stepping 
stones to a higher, grander life. It is through our experi- 
ence that we become perfect. Time and again did I return 
to my old home in the early days of my life in the Beyond ; 
ever lingering close by those on the other side. Each visit 
wound the chain of affection more closely around us. 
Though you could not see me, the fact that I was not lost 
to you, only passed on before, gave you strength and 
courage and at the same time drew me more closely to 
you. 

You were battling with life's dark clouds. I was striv- 
ing to cast them aside, and often found this hard to do at 
times ; sometimes I failed and at others succeeded. In 
this country of the Beyond, I am surrounded by all that 
is beautiful, but love would not permit me to forget my 
own in all my new surroundings of grandeur. No ; we 
never forget or leave the heart's dearest treasure. If our 
loved ones have not come into the new life, we watch 
over them and patiently wait until they also pass through 
the " Pearly Gate" of the Beyond. 

What is home without loved ones ? 

What would Heaven be without our own ? 

What would life be without a hereafter ? 

What would life be, could we not return to bridge over 
the chasm caused by our passing away from them ? 

I am glad to return and find my loved ones ever pro- 
gressing; happy in finding the home and surroundings 
more beautiful than before ; happy in finding the darkness 
that enveloped it passing away and the new light casting 
its glow of golden hue in every place ; glad that my 



BEYOND. 11 

loved ones stand up to-day higher and better than ever 
before. 

You work for to-day, and to-morrow conies perfecting 
the work. Sometimes it appears to be a failure, as you 
look upon it, for the result was not as you hoped, but ever 
remember that your angel friends are watching over you 
and they often finish your work here for you. They carry 
out the plans you failed in and in the Beyond you will 
find many of your failures completed and loving ones wait- 
ing to enjoy your surprise when you enter into that con- 
dition of satisfaction that success only gives the soul. All 
will be made plain in the Beyond. 

No good thing done in earth life is lost, and many fail- 
ures there are completed by loved ones here, and held in 
readiness for the discouraged soul to enter into after com- 
ing into the new life in the Beyond. Ever rest assured 
that in your home on this side there will be no heart sick- 
ening disappointment and there is waiting much that you 
looked upon as lost. 

It is our happy work, our everyday life, to care for our 
dear ones who are struggling with the many difficulties 
met in earth life. You frequently see some one longing for 
and hoping to secure something to assist in perfecting her- 
self in some soul absorbing lesson, perhaps perfection in 
music ; her whole life has been one of longing for musical 
education and instruments. The longing may have been 
for the possession of a piano, and she came into the Be- 
yond with this longing unsatisfied. Yes ; she came here 
disappointed in the one great longing of her soul. She 
came feeling that the life before the Beyond was a failure. 



12 BEYOND. 

Great was her disappointment there, hut far greater will 
her happiness he in this life, for she will find that loving 
angels had prepared for her coming. Loving angels had 
prepared a surprise for her in the shape of the long hoped- 
for piano ; not a shadow, hut a real piano ; and who can 
estimate the happiness this soul experiences upon coming 
into this beautiful Beyond ? 

You will find that many of the great disappointments in 
your life there, will not always remain with you, for here 
we are enabled to secure all the conditions of purity and 
happiness. Be not discouraged because of the many dis- 
appointments you meet there, for all of earth's trials have 
a lesson, as well as the successes. 

I have solved the mystery of " Death " and rejoice in 
being enabled to come to you in this way with glad tidings 
of great joy. 

One of my greatest sources of happiness comes from 
these communions with you, and in being allowed to hold 
aside the mortal curtain so that you can gain some true 
knowledge of the world and conditions that you will ere 
long enter into. We are waiting patiently for your earth 
work to be done, so that we may lead you, one by one, 
through the valley into a home prepared for you by loving 
hands. There will be great rejoicing among the Angels 
when my loved ones come into the Beyond. We are 
waiting and watching so as to make the Heavens resound 
with gladness as you pass through the open gate into a 
life of perfect rest in the Beyond. 

We ever stand ready and waiting to answer the call of 
any in your home-nest of love. It gives us pleasure to 



BEYOND. 13 

know that we can come to you as we do. You are blessed 
by our coming, for it fills up the chasm that stands open 
to all who do not realize the truth of spirit return. It 
builds a bridge upon which we can come to you, and wait 
until we can take you across it to our home and your 
home in the Beyond. It prepares a way that gives us the 
blessed privilege of coming and unfolding the curtains of 
doubt and despair which gather in times of trouble. 

When the angel of new life enters the home and 
takes from its nest your darlings, to transplant them into 
worlds of beauty and life everlasting, it gives us the 
opportunity to come and assure you that they are not 
lost to you ; that though out of sight, they are ever near 
you as before and clasping their arms lovingly around 
you. It gives us the strength and encouragement we do 
need in our life here in the Beyond. It opens the door 
and bids us enter as in other times, to meet with you the 
darkness which so often comes in each earth life. It 
proves to us and to you that there still exists the bond of 
affection as when we were by your side in the mortal form. 
It gives us the opportunity of opening our hearts to you, 
and you to us, both receiving strength by helping the 
other. 

"We hope our coming will be the means of ever casting 
a light upon your pathway, that you may avoid much that 
would be darkness without the bright ray from the higher 
conditions of life in the Beyond ; that while we scatter 
around you flowers in perfect bloom, you give to us, as of 
old, your love, trust and the assurance that we are waiting 
until you can cover us with blossoms sweet. 



14 BEYOND. 

To come and be joyously received by those in earth life 
who are dear to us as when with them in the mortal form, 
is much to be thankful for on our side. To have your dear 
ones return and confide in you, and tell you of the new 
life in the Beyond as they progress day by day, is much 
for you to be thankful for. It gives to your life and ours 
a new feeling. It gives us all courage : you to wait until 
we once more meet in the Beyond where we can plainly 
see each other ; and us to build a home amid strange 
scenes and faces for you. It alloA^s us to return and gather 
new strength and love from our own. 

You have much to endure, but we would experience 
more pain were we to return and find you trying to forget 
us ; that we were disowned by our own. It would be like 
leaving home for southern scenes and on returning find 
our wife, children and all we loved on earth, or in life, 
withdrawn from us ; that we were no more to them, simply 
because we were obliged to lay aside our old dress for one 
more fitting our new condition. 

We all come with feelings difficult to express, our love 
filling us too full for words to convey the full meaning. 
We all rejoice that for us there is within your home a 
light of love and an acceptance of truths handed down to 
you from those who are but thinly veiled from your eyes ; 
and we stand with our hand on the curtain's edge, waiting 
to draw it one side so that you may once more see us as 
we are. 

Earth life is like a golden stair. Day by day you pass 
up one step higher and as on you go, you are nearing the 
door at the top ; and there at the open door all your loved 



BEYOND. 15 

ones, beautifully fair, together with your little one with 
golden hair, will stand, ready to greet you with joy. Her 
looks and movements will be as before and you will gladly 
fold her in your arms, fully realizing that at last you are 
at home among your own. She will take the hand and 
lead you on the way, chatting and laughingly ask you to 
play, for now you are not tired and must be full of new 
life and happiness all the day. A door may sometime 
open to those on the stair, so that the longing gaze may 
get a peep of the beautiful home and loved ones on our 
side the gate. Yes, we know how longingly you gaze and 
trustingly watch for loved ones to appear and drive all 
doubt away. Fear not ; the time is coming when you all 
will come to the top of the stair, one by one, and we assure 
you that we will be waiting there to lead you lovingly to 
our home of loving care. Fear not, for we shall ever 
linger close by your side as you climb the golden stair 
and it is our mission to cast all doubt one side so that you 
may ever see the light that is shining on the way. 

My dear Libbie, I wish I could express my love to you 
for the many years of loving care you have devoted to our 
loved one. You are permitted to remain by his side in 
earth life all these years, doing your duty lovingly, while 
I cling closely by your side, realizing that you are caring 
for my loved one. I try with all my love for him to give 
impressions so that I may feel that I too am doing some- 
thing toward making his life one of love and happiness ; 
realizing to the fullest extent that from the Beyond I can- 
not accomplish all that a mortal can, still it is a great pleas- 
ure to help you. You are like an own sister to me. I love 



16 BEYOND. 

you dearly and my happiest moments are passed with you 
two. I cling closely to you, and where you both are I stand 
with a heart full of love, ODly waiting for the years to pass 
away, feeling that every new year makes one less to pass 
through. I am not impatient, for I have a loving duty to 
perform and I enter into it with my whole soul. I am 
waiting patiently, knowing that when you both come I 
shall be so full of joyous feelings that tears will flow down 
my cheeks as well as your own at our happy, glorious 
reunion. Many years have I been waiting for my loved 
ones to join me in my home in Heaven, feeling that when 
the time comes, when the curtain which separates the 
immortal from the mortal has passed away, we will bow 
our heads in prayer of thanksgiving that though we were 
parted in grief, we have met in brighter scenes of love and 
labor, where there is no more parting in grief to endure. 

Softly comes a gentle whisper to the weary brain, that 
beyond the vale of waiting, stand the dear ones, not lost 
but yours for evermore ; only waiting till the murmur of 
earth's waters are no more. Only waiting till the glad 
tidings come with swift flying wings of the dove, for us 
to prepare for you, our dwelling with garlands most beau- 
tiful and rare. All the pain of long, long waiting, will be 
crowned with victory's blessings. All the darkness left 
behind you will be forgotten in the brightness that sur- 
rounds you as we usher you into the home among loved 
ones on this shore. 

Upon the sunny banks of Eden, upon the pure pebbled 
shore, we often gather gems of beauty, which, but for you, 
would be worthless, as for you we labor. For you we 



BEYOND. 17 

pray. Over you we watch both night and day. We do 
not leave you. We could not leave you. Your home is 
our home and there we mostly stay. 

When tempests bleak and cold surround you whom we 
love so dear, we come and softly whisper, " Love, the s" < 
is shining on this side." The frost may glisten at you. 
feet, but the angels bring you flowers sweet. When oft you 
feel that your path is dark, we come to bring hope and 
strength to toil faithfully up the path where you will meet 
us lovingly, trustingly waiting to greet you. -Then we will 
lead you to our home, where trouble and care shall never 
be known. 

It is with pleasure that I grant your request to give the 
story of my entrance into the Beyond, of which you and I 
had so often thought and become interested in before I 
passed away from you. I ever stand ready to lend my 
light to any who are in darkness and doubt. If one soul 
is made more content, if the sorrow and pain of parting 
with loved ones is lifted and any one made brighter through 
reading the experiences of your Adelaide in the Beyond, 
she will be glad, for we are ready to give unto all a gleam 
of the glorious possibilities that await you in this beautiful 
country beyond the sunset. Adelaide. 



18 BEYOND. 

II. 

Over the River. 

My last remembrance of earth life is the conversation 
with you in reference to the life in the Beyond and the 
possibility of returning in some unmistakable way so that 
you would know and feel my presence beyond doubt. The 
next distinct thought was that I had awakened from a 
deep, restful sleep and was being carried in some person's 
arms. This surprised me, and on looking around I found 
a beautiful white cloud enveloped me and prevented my 
seeing any one. Another surprise was that I was free 
from pain. Then I wondered what had happened to me. 
Soon the cloud passed away and I found myself supported 
by Father Kenyon, and resting in a place I had never seen 
before ; there was nothing very unnatural here, but it ap- 
peared strange. Here was Father Kenyon ; surely he had 
died ; but here I saw him looking like life and natural. 
More than that, he appeared to be caring for my comfort 
just as he would on earth. 

I now began to think the great change had come to me, 
that I had in some way passed through the valley and 
shadow of death and away from you. I had supposed 
that to die was to suffer, struggle and dread to go. I had 
experienced none of these things and did not know when 
the great change had taken place. I did not know that 
the Resurrection Day had come to me. I soon became 
restless and inquired where I was and what had become of 
you. Then Father Kenyon said that I was in the Beyond, 
where all are free from sickness and pain, where all is love 



BEYOND. 19 

and bliss complete. This did not satisfy me ; I wanted to 
return to my home, where my husband and baby boy were. 
That was my Heaven, and I could think of no place where 
I could be so happy as in the old home with my loved 
ones. 

Father assured me that he would return to you in com- 
pany with me, but desired that I wait a little time, that I 
might become stronger. I was not willing to wait and 
was not contented. Then he said : " Listen for a mo- 
ment." Then the sweetest singing I ever heard came 
floating from the distance like a benediction, filling my 
soul with its sweetness. I listened silently and in wonder. 
Soon I saw six young ladies coming. They were more 
beautiful than pen can picture. When they came to me, 
one laid a wreath of flowers at my feet, another placed a 
crown of lilies upon my head, another held a book before 
me which was worn, faded and yellow, with the cover 
nearly all worn away. She placed the book before me, 
kneeling as she did so, and said : " This book of life is 
well filled, deeds of kindness over-balancing all darkness. 
The silver threads of life are not broken. The lessons and 
struggles of earth life we will close up between its two 
covers and give to the one who will cherish and show it to 
others, that they may read on its pages the good to come 
from ' doing unto others as you would that they do unto 
you.' " She then raised her hands and the book disap- 
peared and another was handed to me. This was perfectly 
new and beautiful. The covers were like silver, with 
leaves pure white and soft as silk. This she gave me and 
said : " A new book is given unto you, to use as your 



20 BEYOND. 

spiritual intelligence best directs you. When complete, 
you will pass onward and upward to receive another of 
a higher condition. Thus we progress : onward and 
upward. We love, bless and protect you forever." She 
left the book in my lap. Then they sang sweetly and 
passed away from my sight, leaving father and myself 
alone. 

What a lesson ! I cling to the book and prize it greatly, 
and think I understand the lesson fully. 

Then there shone upon me a golden light so bright that 
I could not look up. Soon it passed away and before me 
stood many loved ones who had passed into the Beyond 
before I did. They all looked the same as in the earthly 
form and so did I. All were glad to meet me and hoped 
I would be happy and contented in the beautiful Summer 
Valley. 

This sounded strange to me. "Happy and contented" 
in any place where my husband and child were not ? 
No ; I was not contented and would prefer to return to 
my earth home again. They bade me good bye and 
requested father to lead me to them on my return from 
the home where my loved ones in earth were. 

Father took my hand in his and said : " My child, we 
will now pass to earth. I will direct you safely as we go." 
We journeyed through beautiful places where flowers 
bloom and all was beautiful. Here I gathered lovely 
blossoms for you. We were walking on flowers instead 
of grass. Notwithstanding all this loveliness and grand- 
eur I was not content, for my soul and love went out to 
you and my baby boy. 



BEYOND. 21 

Before we came into earth atmosphere and condition, 
there appeared before us great banks of snow white 
clouds. They were beautiful. These clouds passed away 
and we landed upon a bank of grass so green that it did 
not look natural. We did not remain here long, but 
passed along. We soon came to a misty, cloudy atmos- 
phere which quickly passed away and I found that we 
had now reached earth and I was by your side again. I 
found that all was quiet. My body had been laid in its 
last resting place and you were in deep sorrow with your 
heart nearly breaking thinking that you were alone. 
Alone ? No ; never ! 

Then I hoped to come to you so that you would know 
that you were not alone, but failed, except in putting my 
arms lovingly around you and infusing into your soul 
the hope that all would be well in the end ; that in the 
Beyond we would be enabled to see each other face to 
face again. I saw all your sorrow ; saw the thoughts you 
had ; saw the unrest that hovered over you, and was then 
glad that I had left our dear child to be your anchor. In 
times of sorrow you would remember that though I was 
not there, our child was and in need of greater care than 
before. Then a calm would come over your soul, causing 
me much joy. While you were so sorrowful I could not 
leave you, for it would have been impossible for me to be 
happy while I knew that you were miserable. 

I saw that you must haye a home for yourself and our 
child before you could be contented again, and I remained 
with you much of the time until you decided to let our 
Libbie be a mother to our boy and a helpmeet to yourself. 



22 BEYOND. 

May the loving angels be ever near her, for she has most 
nobly accomplished all I hoped and prayed for. Until 
your home was surrounded by the loving care of one 
who would be a mother and wife, I could not be content 
to pass to other conditions in the new life in the Beyond. 

Father Kenyon was with me nearly all this time and 
when we saw that you were again contented and happy, he 
led me to other scenes. 

When we decided to leave you for a time, he took my 
hand and I again felt myself rising in the air. I looked 
back and could see everything very clearly and was sad, 
for it appeared that I was leaving all I loved in the world. 
He put his protecting arm around me and said, " My child, 
you must not feel so sad, for you can return to those you 
love at any time, and you should not grieve in this way at 
the parting." I made no reply. My thoughts were of 
you and the loved ones in earth life, and I did not think 
there could be any place so dear to me as the one close by 
your side and our loved ones in the form. 

As we passed out of sight of the earth, we appeared to 
be in the clouds ; here and there I could see paths leading 
to some place. Imagine yourself walking on the beauti- 
ful banks of white clouds, and passing up over one and an- 
other, passing on and on, coming to other clouds, with 
color, some pink and others of a golden hue ! 

We finally came to a path, when father said : " Look 
to your left, my child." 

There I saw a great many children coming down the 
path to us. They were all dressed in some thin white ma- 
terial, and each had flowers ; oh, so many kinds of lovely 



BEYOND. 28 

flowers ! As they came near, we stood still ; then each 
came to me for a kiss. Then they rose up in the air and 
dropped their flowers upon me. When the last one came 
for a kiss, she said : " We welcome you to Summer Val- 
ley — that is where we all live ; this grandpa will lead you 
to us after a time." She placed a wreath upon my head, 
then all of them disappeared. 

I was surprised and had nothing to say, but looked to 
father for an explanation. He said : "Dear Adelaide, 
you have only commenced to see the beauties of this 
Heavenly sphere." 

Though I could not feel that I was yet in Heaven, for 
that would mean complete happiness, I was conscious that 
a feeling of content was creeping in. Here the cloud that 
had been with me since leaving earth passed away, and we 
were on green grass, where all was perfectly lovely. Here 
we followed a path that led to father's home, where four 
beautiful and bright children came to meet us. They also 
had flowers, which were scattered in the pathway. As we 
approached, one came to greet me and said : " We want a 
mamma and are so glad you have come ! " 

The pathway was scattered over with flowers, the door- 
way was one mass of vine, with flowers arranged so as to 
form a harp. Inside, the home was like a bower of flow- 
ers. Birds came in and out fearlessly, singing their happy 
songs. In the center of the room was a comfortable chair, 
in which father placed me, where I enjoyed perfect rest. 

Words cannot convey the feeling of perfect bliss that 
filled my soul, and I was completely lost in wonder and 
delight. While sitting there, one of the little girls placed 



24 BEYOND. 

a very large basket of flowers in my lap, which filled the 
air with a strengthening, soothing influence. After rest- 
ing in this beautiful place for some time, Father Kenyon 
came to my side and said : "Adelaide, do you know that 
now you are in Heaven ? " " Yes, father ; I know where 
I am." 

Then we passed out of the home and I was spellbound 
at the gloriously beautiful scene before me. Now I could 
see clearly things at a distance. One of the children held 
my hand and enjoyed my amazement very much as she ex- 
plained all they, the children, had done in and around the 
home. We walked down by the river and sat down on a 
mound of moss ; then I felt that if you and our child were 
with me, all would be complete. 

I remained here in father's home a long time, perfectly 
contented among so much beauty and restfulness. After 
becoming fully rested and better acquainted with the sur- 
roundings, I accompanied father on a visit to Summer 
Valley, where the children live and where he was a fre- 
quent visitor. 

As we came in sight of Summer Valley, I was again 
surprised. I expected to see children, but not such a 
great host of them. Oh, how many there were ! I could 
think of nothing except thousands of little chickens. As 
we came near, we sat down on a bank or mound of flow- 
ers. Soon they saw us and came running up. Some had 
dolls, others pictures, and all the various things that chil- 
dren love to play with. Here I was again overcome with 
amazement, and was now fully certain that I was in 
Heaven. My mother's love yearned for little children, 



BEYOND. 25 

and I would have been glad to have brooded them all as a 
mother hen does her chicks. 

I wondered why so many were here, and father said : 
"These are little ones who have no mamma on this side, 
and many of them will never know who their mother is. 
They are beautiful children, and very happy ; and never 
have any trouble." 

The four children in father's home came from here, and 
I learned that I could have some of them for my own when 
I desired to care for them. 

After mothers have been here for some time, they long 
for little children, and go to Summer Valley and take as 
many as they desire ; usually as many as they have left on 
the other shore, sometimes more. 

We returned to father's home, where I remained a 
long time and became very much attached to the four 
little ones under his care. 

Notwithstanding all this Heavenly beauty, there would 
come over me a cloud of discontent, a longing for my 
loved ones on the other shore and then I would return to 
you and use all my power to lift you out of the sorrow 
that continued to hover over you at times. I noticed that 
every visit of this kind gave me more strength and I re- 
turned to the home in the Beyond in a more contented 
condition. 

And so it is that when we strive to lift up others we are 
likewise benefited. Thus it was that I learned that I had 
a noble work before me. My life here is passed greatly in 
learning the way of helping others. 

You and I thought all our plans and hopes were blasted 



BEYOND. 

no 



in the bud, when we were separated in tears. But 
there shines a more glorious light to-day than when I 
passed away. I am with you just the same, and come to 
you from this side with the story of my life and love for 
you, and the assurance of the life and joy in store for us in 
this beautiful country of the Beyond, where we will be re- 
united to part no more. 

Yes ; I will learn more fully the laws overruling the 
Heavens ; will try and rise to a perfect understanding of 
this world of beauty where all is so harmoniously grand, 
so that from time to time I may be enabled to hold out to 
you a beacon star that shall guide you safely and trustingly 
to this home among the blest. 

Just across the river that runs near Father Kenyon's 
home, is a beautiful Mountain Island. The trees are per- 
fect and in great variety. I often wondered how they 
came there. Were they planted by some one, or did 
they always and forever stand there in such beautiful 
green ? Do they ever lose their lovely foliage ? This 
was for me to learn, and I felt that I was like an infant 
fully grown in statue, but not in wisdom. 

Father had built a rustic bridge over the river at the 
time he selected this lovely spot for his home. The de- 
sire to visit the Island and learn more of it possessed me, 
and I passed over and found a path leading from the 
bridge, and as there was only the one path, concluded to 
follow that and learn where it led. It wound along near the 
water's edge until near the center of the Island, there turned 
windingly up and around until it reached the top of the Moun- 
tain ; there I found a rustic seat and a little bed of violets. 



BEYOND. 27 

There I rested and looked in all directions, with nothing 
to obstruct my vision. On looking down, I was surprised 
at the distance to the river. I could see clearly the sur- 
rounding country, and saw here and there little villages or 
settlements, no two alike. Could see people passing to and 
fro. Children were every place. In one direction I saw 
people on the river and thought they were a party pic-nic- 
ing. All was so like things on earth that I was surprised 
and spellbound, and was not inclined to leave this place 
for some time. 

"When ready to leave for home, I thought the children 
would be pleased with some of the violets, and gathered 
some for them, and to fasten to my dress. While ar- 
ranging the flowers I heard a great many voices singing. 
I could see no one coming, as the path wound around 
out of my sight as it led down the mountain. Soon the 
mystery was solved, for up the path up the side of the 
mountain came very many children with flowers in their 
hands. Soon they came to the place where I was sitting 
and threw their flowers all around me. There was nothing 
said until all came near. There was a great number, yet 
there was room for all of them. One climbed into my lap 
and put flowers all over my hair. Another made a necklace 
of lilies. Another made a bouquet, and yet another made 
a hat of vine, " sailor shaped," and placed it on my head 
and said : " You is our mamma and we come to tell you so ; 
ain't you glad ? " 

I told them " Yes" ; and that I loved them all. Then 
they sang a bird song that was so charming that once 
heard can never be forgotten. Here were children from 



28 BEYOND. 

three to fourteen years of age, all singing as none in earth 
life can. In this song all kinds of singing birds were imi- 
tated to perfection. No; I cannot describe this scene. You 
will be obliged to wait till you come, before you can com- 
prehend the difference between earthlyand heavenly singing. 
After this surprise and the wonderful singing ceased, 
they wished to accompany me home. Then two little ones 
clasped my hands and led me down the pathway, followed 
by the rest to the rustic bridge, where father, Libbie, 
Susan and the four children of father's care met us. Then 
my group again sang one of their lovely songs. 

I learned that these children came from Summer Valley 
and were acquainted with Father Kenyon. After playing 
some time they were ready to return and wanted me to go 
with them and I really wanted to go, but father thought I 
would prefer to take up my work among older ones and 
proposed to go with me to " Palace Garden," where chil- 
dren from ten to fifteen have a home and school where 
music, singing, drawing, painting and other arts were 
taught. We remained there some time, and though all 
was grand and beautifully harmonious, there were no little 
children and my mother nature was longing for them, so 1 
decided to return to father's home and go with the dear 
little ones in Summer Valley. 

There are places here where all can learn the things un- 
learned and longed for in earth life. 

There is one place where father often goes to learn more 
fully the laws overruling us, for we learn that there is 
much to unlearn and learn aright after coming into this 
life in the Beyond. 



BEYOND. 29 

It was not long after returning from the visit to Pal- 
ace Garden before I commenced my work among the lit- 
tle ones in Summer Valley and there I remained a long 
time. While working there I selected five girls and five 
boys to take with me and care for as my own. I concluded 
to take them to father's home and there decide where to 
build a home of my own. 

Before commencing my home I was requested to work 
with a band of ladies in receiving little babies and small 
children who have no mammas here to receive and care for 
them. This work pleased my band of ten little ones and 
I always had some of them accompany me when I was 
called in this work of loving care. 

Our work was to visit the mortal side of life and be 
ready to receive the little soul as it passed away from the 
mortal form, and bring it into the spiritual sphere, freed 
from sickness and suffering, here to grow up amid smiling, 
happy faces, and scenes of great beauty. I remained in 
this work until your first sickness after I came to this side. 
Then I thought you also were coming into the happy life 
here ; but you came not, therefore we put off home 
making at that time. 

You will think it very strange that here in the Beyond 
everything so much resembles the world you live in, and so 
it was with me at first, for I had never learned much re- 
specting the wonderful new life and beauties in the Beyond, 
and I come now with these letters to tell you a truthful 
story of real life here. Adelaide. 



30 BEYOND. 



III. 



Adelaides First Christmas In The Beyond. 

My Dear Husband : Another Christmas is drawing 
near, making thirty-four since I came to this beautiful 
Summer Land. All these years I have been waiting 
patiently and watching tenderly over your earth life ; at 
all times coming as close to you as surrounding conditions 
would permit, and though the way was not open for me to 
come all these years, I fully understood and waited, know- 
ing that the door would swing wide open some day so that 
I could answer all the questions about the Beyond, that we 
were so eagerly trying to solve before we were parted in 
grief and disappointment. 

I write you at this time to answer your thought as to 
how I enjoyed my first Christmas in the new life. 

I was assured by our Father Kenyon that each and every 
one who had in earth life been accustomed to commemorate 
Christmas did also observe and celebrate the day here. 

It was in your lovely month of October when I came to 
this country of more exceeding beauty, and Christmas had 
scarcely entered my mind. When the thought did come, 
it was a wonder to me how I could enjoy that day without 
snow and the jingle of sleigh bells with the merry laughter 
of my dear ones in earth life. 

At this time I was not very contented in the new life in 
the Beyond, separated from the dear home and loved ones 
left in sorrow. Probably no young wife and mother would 
be perfectly happy away from the home nest, though sur- 
rounded by indescribable beauty and loveliness amidst 



BEYOND. 31 

friends in the Beyond, who were doing all that was possible 
to alleviate her sorrow. So much in this new life had sur- 
prised me that I was content to wait and learn how holi- 
days were enjoyed on this side of the river of life, for I 
concluded that nearly all things were possible here. 

For some time before Christmas time, people were pass- 
ing father's home with their arms full of good things, and 
they appeared to come from all directions. Then I was 
satisfied that there must be plenty of good things in some 
place. So much activity and preparation gave me the 
thought to do something myself, and I consulted father. I 
then decided that as I knew spirit return to be a fact, I 
would at this particular time return and take "my love 
token " to you. 

As I was thinking about this visit and wondering what 
would best please you, a little bird flew directly before me, 
lighting at my feet amid the flowers. As I looked down, 
the flowers were more perfect and brilliant than I had ever 
noticed them, and I gathered many and carried them to you. 
How glad I was that I did so, for you were lonely and sad ! 
I covered you with them and talked to you, as when with 
you in the form, nor did I leave you until your earthly 
morning light broke over the hilltop. 

I was perfectly aware that you could not see me nor the 
beautiful flowers I had brought, but I also knew that my 
presence gave you hope and strength to meet the trials of 
the day, and the flowers did me nearly as much good. You 
sometimes wonder why we come to you in earth life with 
such a profusion of flowers, so long as you cannot see them. 
We are aware of the fact that you cannot, yet we come to 



32 BEYOND. 

you and make our presence known, so that you are encour- 
aged and strengthened. This you know ; and we know 
that the beautiful flowers are as real as anything else in 
this life in the Beyond. We love them and can see where 
they do help the conditions wherever they are placed in 
profusion. Therefore, do not question the loving influence 
of the beautiful flowers we bring you, though you cannot 
see them. 

As the morning light broke over the hills, I left you and 
returned to father's home in the Beyond at that Christmas 
time. "Little Dottie" came running to meet me with, 
" Oh, come and see what you got, and all the rest ! " She 
led me into the home, and there stood a large arch of 
beautiful yellow leaves which glistened like gold. Under- 
neath was a chair, covered with rosebuds, with a motto, 
"Welcome, Adelaide, pure and sweet as the dew that 
falleth upon the open bud," made with a scarlet flower. 

This was a great surprise to me, and sent a thrill of joy 
through my soul at this remembrance and loving token 
from those on this side of the river. The children said 
they did nearly all of it for me — dear loving ones ! Little 
Joe came and put his arms around my neck and said: "We 
are going to a nice place now and we will have a gay time; 
are you not glad you come over here just when you did?" 

I cannot now describe all we saw, and will only tell you 
of one place we visited. We came to a deep valley with a 
path leading through the beautiful trees. A little brooklet 
trickled along over the stones and pebbles bright, and in 
the distance I could see a bright illumination of many 
colors. We could hear many voices laughing, singing and 



BEYOND. 33 

talking. When we came nearer we saw a large level place 
covered with leaves, white as crystal; on the sides were 
high banks from which hung streamers and flags of glisten- 
ing white. In the center of this beautiful place stood a 
lovely " Christmas tree " completely loaded with gifts of 
every description, making in all the most beautiful place 
imaginable. 

We were constantly met by little children and older 
people who had a cheerful word to say, or a flower to 
give. There was music and singing by the hundreds here 
assembled, which was simply heavenly. 

You in earth life cannot think how the singing here fills 
the soul with love divine. Each and every one appeared 
to receive a token of love from some source. 

All gifts here have a personal application. Father received 
a banner upon which were two hands clasped together, 
meaning "Hand of Fellowship." I received a " staff upon 
which to lean in case of doubt." I only describe these two 
to give you a correct idea of the nature of the gifts. This 
entertainment frequently lasts for some time, friends com- 
ing from near and far to visit and become acquainted and 
welcome the stranger. 

Here I passed my first Christmas in Heaven, and had 
you and baby been there my cup of happiness would have 
been full to the brim. Yes ; welcome Christmas time, with 
loving thoughts for all ! Adelaide. 



34 BEYOND. 

IV. 

Adelaides Home. 

The time having come for me to commence my home I 
consulted father and was greatly pleased with his sugges- 
tion to build at the foot of Mountain Island. We decided 
on the rustic plan, so as to correspond with father's, which 
I think is very beautiful. 

When you come down to the river's bank we will meet 
and lead you through a lovely valley, fringed with beauti- 
ful trees and a clear stream of water running along. On 
all sides are beautiful flowers and birds fill the air with 
their sweet songs. As we pass along the way you will soon 
come to our home, which is cosily nestled under the land- 
scape at the foot of the Island near the river. It will re- 
mind you of the old song of " Love in a Cottage,"for all the 
woodwork is completely covered with a climbing vine that 
throws out such a profusion of white flowers as to make it 
appear like a bower instead of a home. Inside are rooms 
for all of you. 

Grandpa's Room looks out on the grounds, where he 
can sit and see a fountain of sparkling water and very many 
lovely flowers. The carpet of this room is forget-me-nots 
and lilies of the valley. The easy chair is made of ever- 
green wood. There is a collection of reading matter here 
that may surprise you. There is a little rocker of pure 
white and many playthings, claimed by your darling Edna, 
which are closely gathered by your chair. We have no 
use for doors, but there is an archway leading from your 
room to Libbie's and my room. 






BEYOND. 35 

Mother Libbie 1 s Hoomhas for a carpet the primrose ; the 
first to bloom on earth. Her armchair is made of different 
colored grasses worked together. Little Edna gathered the 
grasses and we made the chair. Close by this chair is your 
darling Edna's willow rocker and a box of silk pieces from 
which she is making " a tidy for grandma's chair." She is 
working a little every day, making pretty things for "my 
grandma." This room is covered on the inside with scarlet 
flowers on one side, and white lilies, roses, tulips and phlox 
on the other. Edna found a pair of parrots and said grand- 
ma must have them and they are here with many other 
birds flying in and out your room fearlessly. If grandma 
could see how happy we are, she would not grieve so much, 
for she could see that her darling one has escaped all trou- 
ble, and left a world of care. She is not lost, but safely 
sheltered in our loving care. 

Edna's Boom opens into grandma's on one side and 
mamma's on the other. The carpet in her room is moss that 
has a white surface, making it look like silver frost. The 
sides of her room are covered with a vine that has white 
blossoms like a fuchia with a pink center ; the flowers are so 
thick that you can scarcely see the vine. One little chair 
is here, like all the rest of hers, made of white willow. On 
one side of the archway leading into her room stands a 
pure white lily ; we name it " Purity." Here are many 
playthings, including a " blue dressed dollie and two others." 
Also a large box of " white pieces," and another of silk, 
" like mamma's." There is also in her room a little white table 
covered with pictures and books, but she likes none so well 
as the old ones at home that " Grandpa has looked over 



3 6 BEYOND. 

with her so many times." When we return and do not see 
them, she inquires about them. Please do not put them out of 
sight. Over the entrance to her room is a letter E, that we 
trained that way and she thinks very much of it. She has 
added to her collection of pictures, one of grandpa and lit- 
tle brother ; we had all the others before. This may ap- 
pear strange to you, but when you go to have your pictures 
taken, we also go and have a card ready and your face 
comes on our card also. 

Edna's Papa and Mamma's Room is a beautiful place 
to rest in. Papa's easy chair is made of weeping willow, 
twined together in a lovely way. He is likely to be the first 
to come and will find it a place of restfulness and happi- 
ness. Mamma's chair is made, or covered with different 
ribbons of all colors and is very beautiful. Edna said: 
"Mamma makes so many pretty things, but I guess she 
will like that." The carpet is of moss that we have gath- 
ered since Edna came. Here is a piano and music in 
abundance, also pictures, fancy work, children's play- 
things, books for papa and flowers in every nook and corner. 
Here papa will find all restful and quiet, and will have his 
every wish gratified. We think all of us will hail the glad 
day when we can say " we are all at home, never to part 
again." 

Edward's Room has a carpet of fern shaped moss and 
flowers of all colors. The window is full of flowers and in 
the center of the window is a little fountain that throws up 
a beautiful spray, and in the basin are gold fish. Little 
birds fly into this basin and enjoy a morning bath. This 
room is lined on all sides with a vine that has a blue bios- 



BEYOND. 37 

som. The chair is a grapevine that we have trained into 
perfect shape and then twined it up on one side of the room 
so that he will have plenty of grapes within reach and can 
help himself without leaving his chair. The bookcase is 
made of silver wood and is beautifully white ; foot rest of 
the same. Edna has one of her chairs here also, as she 
thinks "Uncle Ed. can't get along without me." Flowers, 
birds, fountain and all are in harmonious colors. 

Our Ralph's Room. — This room has a vine on all sides 
like your fragrant sweet pea and is very beautiful and 
blossoms very profusely. The carpet a very beautiful 
green moss that harmonizes perfectly with all in the room. 
In the center of the room is a light colored moss mound 
with a little fountain in the center that throws up a spray 
of water, creating a delightful cool air and odor that is very 
restful and refreshing. There is a table at one side with 
books on it. Running up the table legs is a scarlet flower- 
ing vine. His armchair is- covered with scarlet bark. 
There are several chairs in his room. There are many 
beautiful pictures and various fancy ornaments on the 
wall and other places. I have given my son a room in our 
home, for we wish him here as much as possible after 
he comes into the Beyond. Notwithstanding that he will 
make a home for himself and family after he does come, 
we will also have a place for him and them in the home 
nest. 

The Family Room. — This is a general assembly room, 
large and comfortable, with an ivy vine covering the sides 
and entrances. This vine has no flowers; is simply a 
beautiful green. The floor is covered with the same beauti- 



38 BEYOND. 

ful green moss, that has a flower like the morning glory. 
In the center of the room is a large table covered with a 
beautiful spread. On the table are books, baskets of fruit 
and graces that were not gathered from Ed.'s chair. There 
are chairs for all of you, and foot rests, so that you can sit 
and look out and see the river and rest to your hearts con- 
tent. 

My Room.— This room has for a carpet the same beauti- 
ful moss that covers Ralph's and the family room. It has 
a strange running vine, trained on the sides ; first comes a 
fine white leaf, then a yellow, next a scarlet one and it is 
very beautiful, reminding me of autumn. In the center is 
a group of different flowers that grow thrifty and high. 
My easy chair is by the door leading to Kenyon's room, 
which brings Libbie, you and myself near each other. You 
see that I do not intend to be alone. There are three 
chairs here, one for each of us ; they have blue backs on a 
white. There is a foot rest for him and stools for us. 
Here are workbaskets, reading matter, pictures and many 
gems of artistic work that have been presented to me. On 
the sides of the room are vases with lilies white. You will 
not be obliged to go away from here for anything for a long 
time, as I can entertain and interest you for a long time, in 
relating the very many experiences I have met in this 
beautiful country of the Beyond. 

The Grounds About Our Home are a beautiful green; 
fountain, with a circle of flowers around them ; flower 
beds, in various places, full of beautiful blossoms that never 
fade ; and a rustic Summer house with a running vine 
completely covering it ; there are seats in it and a vase of 



BEYOND. 30 

flowers that are Edna's especial care. At the river is a 
platform covered overhead with vines. The path leading to 
Edna's room has a border of fine lilies of the valley. The 
one to grandma's room is bordered with forget-me-nots. 
To papa Bert's room are primroses. To Ralph and Ed- 
ward's, a bright scarlet flower. All the paths are of moss 
and bordered with flowers of various kinds. 

We are continually adding something to our grounds 
and home, so that when you come there will be many other 
things for us to show and describe. 

After reading my very poor description of the home we 
have here in the Beyond, do you wonder that so many are 
astonished and in doubt as to whether they are in earth or 
Heaven upon first coming into this beautiful country 
beyond the river ? Adelaide. 



40 BEYOND. 



V. 



Edna's Reception. 
Our home was completed before Edna came to us. Her 
mother's cry of despair was heard by loving angels in the 
Beyond and I now come with the assurance that they are 
"ministering angels" to all who mourn for loved ones 
who have passed into this beautiful home of the soul. 
There are loving ones on this side waiting and watching to 
receive all of earth's children and make them happy in this 
life of loving care and beauty. 

I saw the cloud hovering over your home and knew that 
nothing could prevent the sorrow that would so crushingly 
envelop you who had only this one little darling in the 
home-nest, and I remained closely by your side, imparting 
all the strength possible, so that you would not give up in 
despair, when the dreadful hour came. 

Fear not, my dear one, all in earth life have guardian 
angels given unto them and it has ever been my pleasure 
to assume that loving care over you and yours. 

When the time came for your darling to leave the 
earthly form, I received and carried her lovingly to our 
home in Heaven, where many little ones from Summer 
Valley were waiting her coming. They had known for 
some time that she would soon come and were anxious to 
greet her. 

They had covered our home with perfect white blossoms; 
the path to the home was also covered with white flowers 
and my chair was covered with white satin, which fell to 
the mossy carpet. Over the entrance were the words, 



BEYOND. 41 

" Angel Edna," made of flowers. Part way down the 
pathway they had erected a beautiful bell, composed of 
white and pink rosebuds, and at the bell were stationed 
four little ones, who dropped sprigs of tiny lilies of the 
valley upon her breast as I passed and then followed, sing- 
ing " My precious one, come into our bower." 

On entering the home I sat down in my chair and held 
her close to my bosom, and all waited for her to awake 
into conciousness. Very soon she opened her beautiful 
eyes, and looked quietly at me for a long time, then gazed 
at the group of twenty-five little ones surrounding her. 
They remained perfectly quiet. Soon she raised her eyes 
to my face once more, then put her hands up and covered 
her face. I kissed her and inquired if she would like to 
go to her grandma, grandpa, papa and mamma ? If she 
did, I would take her to them, for I loved her and would 
be glad to go with her. I told her that she was so very 
sick that I had taken her away from home so she could get 
well again ; that I had been by her all the time and would 
like to have her stay here in my home, if she would like to. 

She made no reply to this, then I said, " Shall we take 
some of these pretty flowers to mamma and all the rest ? 
I will put a lot of them in a basket, and you and I will go 
and show them to grandpa. Shall we, darling ? " Then, 
as I feared, she burst out crying as though her heart would 
break, and said, " I want to go home." 

Then I took her close to my bosom and she put her arms 
tight around my neck and thus we returned to her earth 
home and you who were so bowed down with grief at your 
great loss. 



42 BEYOND. 

She appeared to feel that I was her friend and was never 
afraid of me. Oh, if I could have prevented the pang of 
homesickness the darling felt at that time, how happy 
would I have been ! 

When we returned, all was quiet in the home, and her 
little earthly form was laid away among the beautiful 
flowers to remain forever at rest. 

As we entered the side door, our little rosebud spoke for 
the first time after the cry to go home, and said, "There is 
grandpa." I put her down and she walked directly to 
grandpa and climbed into his lap and there nestled down 
for some time before saying anything, then said: "You 
didn't want me to stay away, did you ? " 

She knew she had been taken away from home in some 
way, and she was not happy among strangers. After sit- 
ting in grandpa's lap some time, she slipped down and 
went to grandma, and told her that " she saw whole lots of 
pretty flowers and lots of little girls, but she didn't want to 
stay." Then she went to mamma and told her that " she 
saw lots of pretty flowers, and lots of pretty girls, and lots 
of pretty things, and don't you want to see them ? " 

As none of you answered, she was surprised, for you had 
always been so glad to listen and talk with her. She won- 
dered what had happened to all of you. She did not for a 
moment think that anything had happened to her, for she 
had on her plush waist and plaid skirt that she and grand- 
pa liked so well. I told her that mamma and all of you 
were not feeling very well just now, which appeared to 
satisfy her, as she said, "Well, that is too bad; guess 
they will feel better pretty soon." Then she went to her 



BEYOND. 43 

sick papa's bedside and laid her head lovingly down by his 
face and said: "You don't feel very well, do you, papa?" 
As he said nothing, she remarked, " Guess papa is gone to 
sleep." 

I saw a cloud of disappointment coming over her face, 
and knew that I must in some way explain the change that 
had come to her, and took her in my arms and told her 
that she had been very sick; that I had taken her to my 
home where she would never be sick any more; that all of 
you were feeling so bad just now that you could not see 
her, but would be very glad to know that she was well 
again and happy. She did not understand this, as she was 
only four years old, but appeared to think it must be some 
such way or I would not have told her so. She had so 
much confidence in me from the first that my whole soul 
went out to her. 

It took time for her to understand that she had changed, 
and frequently said, " Mamma Adelaide, I am not changed 
at all, only I am well now, and don't cough any more." 
And so I allowed her to think that you had changed, or 
were feeling badly about something, but assured her that 
you would feel better and be happy pretty soon. " Pretty 
soon " is a charming way she has of getting around things 
she cannot understand — " Well, it will be all right pretty 
soon," and passes on. 

Edna is never unhappy in my home here in the Beyond, 
but does not want to remain away from "my home," as 
she terms your earth home, and I am also very happy in 
the same earth home, therefore we spend very much of 
our time there. 



44 BEYOND. 

All children are not so strongly attached to the earth 
home as she is, but all, like her, long to see their mamma 
and loved ones, and would be perfectly miserable if they 
could not return and nestle close up to the dear ones as be- 
fore the change that carries them into this new life in the 
Beyond. 

It was well that you allowed all her playthings to remain 
as they were when she passed away, for she always looks 
for them and is happy among them. It is a great mistake 
to put everything out of sight, for then the home is so 
changed that the little ones are doubly grieved and sorrow- 
ful. They wonder why you do not notice them, and are 
also grieved because all their toys have gone, both making 
the dear little angels often weep at the wonderful change 
that has come over the home. 

We gradually lead them to understand that they have 
become angels; that we on this side are spirits and you are 
mortals; that some time you will get sick and come to our 
home as she did; that then you will not feel bad anymore; 
and then you will always remain with them here in this 
home in the Summer Land. We always teach them that 
they can return to the earth home and carry these lovely 
flowers and have nice, happy times there. 

Never, in the past nor in the future, will loved ones be 
taken to punish you for wrong doing. No, never. They 
leave earth life from lack of strength and health to battle 
with the vicissitudes of earth life and are transplanted in a 
more genial and beautiful clime of eternal life. Our 
Savior has given us a love for our own and here we do 
not aspire to higher conditions until all our loved ones are 



BEYOND. 45 

once more together. We live for them here in Heaven as 
"below : by loving and protecting our own we are fulfilling 
and carrying out His command. 

Edna is ever with me, and when you come to this shore 
the very first to meet and greet you will be your darling 
child and myself. Then we will lead you to more beauti- 
ful scenes and to a more beautiful home than you can imag- 
ine. Mortal eye hath not seen the wonderful beauties of 
the Beyond. Have no fear for the happiness and well be- 
ing of your darling little rosebud. She will ever have the 
loving care of the angels who will bring her to you very 
often. We will come to you with loving influences and 
words of comfort to cheer as you pass from duty to duty 
in earth life, and when your work is done, you will receive 
a rich reward in your heavenly home with us. 

Do not let thoughts of discontent spring into life to 
trouble thee. Your soul should live content in all its 
brightness. Do not let your life on earth be one of long- 
ing, but know that your " Little Rosebud " and your 
loved ones will lead and be your guide everywhere. You 
have the knowledge that we live. The ones you hold so 
dear are here. We come to make a Heaven of your life 
as on you sweep with the tide. We will steer your bark 
with love divine and set the helm to reach that shore 
where all your earthly woes and troubles will cease, where 
love and rest will greet you everymore. 

When the call is given for you to come, you will review 
the past and find the blots in the book of time forever 
erased by the many good deeds you have done. Then it 
will be our joy to know we have you safe home at last ; 



46 BEYOND. 

to have my dear one in my arms once more and feel the 
fond embrace. Our souls will then view our virtues face 
to face. 

The world is dark and you cannot see the gleam of light 
that is shining there, but oh, how brightly it beams to 
light and lead you to a brighter sphere ! Yes, darling, 
greet us; we are here. Let all the love your soul has 
known spring into action at the thought that I am here, all 
your own ; and close beside me stands always your darling 
child Edna. 

Yes, let dread winter's tempests wail and roar; you need 
not dread the dismal sound. Let j^our heart sing with joy, 
full of love, in knowing that we are ever with you. Let 
this blessed day be as a ray of light to guide you, for 
know when sorrow bears you down, that sunshine quickly 
follows after gloom and drives the clouds far away. Look 
up, my love, and catch the gleam of sunlight as it casts its 
glow into your soul with purest beam to light you, as on 
the way you go. We will assist and guide you through 
the journey of earthly care. We will be the light to lead 
you on and share your sorrows everywhere. Oh yes ! we 
will know each other then, with love yet stronger grown 
and our happiness complete at last. 

Lovingly yours, 

Adelaide. 



BEYOND. 47 



VI. 



Henry' 's Letter. 

Mr Dear Wife and Daughter : I write you at this, 
the first time I have had since coming into this beautiful 
country, to send you the glad tidings that I am not dead 
nor sleeping, that surely it is not all of death to die ; and 
I want you to realize that I still live and retain all the love 
and affection for you that had so many years of earth life 
to mature. 

We do not forget or change for the worse on coming, 
here, and when the time arrives for you to lay down the 
mortal and put on the garments of immortality I will meet 
you at the river with outstretched arms and welcome you 
to our beautiful home in Heaven. There are many man- 
sions here and I have come to prepare one for you, where 
you shall ever be at rest and live in happiness. 

I realize the fact that you have missed me very much 
and have wondered how I found the new life and what con- 
ditions surrounded me. I was very glad to accept Father 
Kenyon's invitation to come here and write, hoping to 
satisfy you that I am not dead, so that the cloud of sorrow 
may roll from your soul. 

Now I will relate my experiences in the early dawn of 
the new life to me in this country, after the " Resurrection 
Day " that not only came to me, but will come to all when 
they lay down the mortal and put on the robes of immortal 
life. 

The last I remember after the accident, was a sinking 
sensation^different from fainting, and I was then lost to 



48 BEYOND. 

pain. How long I remained in this condition I do not 
know, but the first remembrance after that was when I 
stood just where the accident happened and was walking 
up to the house, where I met you crying. I inquired what 
the trouble was and was surprised that you did not answer. 
I then passed into the house and there saw my own self 
lying on the bed dead. Then I thought I was crazy. I 
tried to tell you that I was there and all right, but could 
not make you understand that I was talking to you. In my 
anxiety to do so I became partially unconscious and felt my- 
self lifted away or carried to some place. I could not see 
clearly nor tell where I was being carried, and finally be- 
came lost in unconciousness or sleep. 

I do not know how long I remained in this condition, but 
finally opened my eyes just as though waking out of a 
natural sleep, and found myself in the most beautiful place 
imaginable. All was very green ; nothing decayed ; trees, 
flowers and birds, lovely and in great profusion. At my 
side was a stream of the clearest water I ever saw, but I 
was all alone and wondered where in the world I was. I 
rather thought it was a dream. 

While wondering about things here and where I was, 
music came floating from the distance and I soon heard 
" Nearer My God to Thee," and the persona singing came 
within my vision but passed by, apparently not seeing me. 
Such singing I never heard before. 

I called, but could not make them hear nor did any one 
come, and I became restless and uneasy. Very soon I saw 
a lady coming with a bevy of little children. They had 
their arms full of flowers. The leader had a wreath, and as 



BEYOND. 49 

she came up, placed it upon my head and all the children 
sang sweetly. A calm came over me and I then saw that 
the lady was my mother. She took me to her and the 
little ones covered me with flowers. 

Mother told me all that had happened and where I was, 
but I could not realize that I had really passed away from 
earth and the ones I loved so dearly. I soon became sat- 
isfied of the fact, however. 

Mother has taught me the way to come to you and I am 
very often near you. The greatest drawback I have is 
that when I want to tell you something I cannot make you 
hear me. I suppose it must be all right, yet I do not like 
it very well. I am assured that until I become more recon- 
ciled, I cannot see things as they really are and I am 
learning something every day, or rather all the time. We 
do not have the same day and night that you do. 

If this is Heaven, it is not just the place I expected to 
find, for this is so much like things on earth. At any rate, 
it is not the kind of Heaven we have been educated to 
expect. But I am satisfied with this. 

Mother inquired if I would like to go with her to her 
home. This was a surprise and I asked if she had a home 
on purpose for herself, for I did not know as they built 
houses here, to which she replied : " Why, Henry, have 
you forgotten that in Heaven there are many mansions ? " 

" No ; I do not know as I have. Still, I never looked at 
it in this way. Of course it is all right, but it looks queer 
to me. No ; I would prefer to go back to my wife if I 
could, or is that all done away with, now that I am here, 
fully out of earthly conditions ? " 



50 BEYOND. 

" Oh no ; you can return as often as you wish, but I 
would like to have you wait a little while before attempt- 
ing to do so." " No ; I would rather not wait." She con- 
cluded to go with me, as she thought I could not find you 
if I went alone, and that was another thing I did not un- 
derstand. I wondered why I could not travel as well as 
the next one ; and told her so. 

I was informed that the mode of traveling or movement 
here, was done by using the will-force and that all have to 
learn how. Mother said I must fix my mind upon my 
wife ; think of nothing else and that would take me to 
you, unless I became bewildered at passing objects, which 
would likely be the result, as I would fear falling. In that 
case I would remain where I was at the time, or might 
pass down to the place I was afraid of. 

The only way to reach our destination was to have full 
faith and confidence that we will reach it and also have 
firmness sufficient to overcome any and all the conditions 
we would meet on the way ; much of this is gained by 
practice. I thought she knew what she was talking about 
and I had as yet no experience or practice in the matter, 
therefore was thankful to find my mother by my side to 
help me. 

We clasped hands and mother said, " I think we are 
strong enough to overcome any disturbing forces we will 
meet and will soon be among your friends on earth." We 
began to move ; did not walk : it was more like being 
lifted than anything else ; then felt a sinking sensation. 
Then I was afraid and she knew it without my telling her 
and told me to overcome all fear or I would fail. I did 



BEYOND. 51 

the best I could. Soon we came to a standstill and a queer 
sight met my gaze. The cloud that had surrounded us 
cleared away and we were in the road in front of the 
house where you were. 

I wondered how mother knew where we were and where 
to stop, for I could not see anything up to this time since 
starting, except clouds. She said that she could see better 
than I could as yet, and our will-force or minds were fixed 
upon that particular place of stopping. " Oh, yes ; it was 
so simple when once understood," and mother laughed so 
much like herself that I laughed also. 

We walked into the house, through the kitchen into the 
front room and found you and Linda talking about me. 
You were very down hearted and Linda was reasoning 
with you like a woman of sixty years. I went to your 
side and patted you on the head and told you that I never 
felt so well and strong in my life as then ; that I was not 
dead : could see no change in myself, except that I was 
perfectly well, strong, straight and not tired any more : to 
all of which I received no reply. 

Then I inquired of Mother why you could not see me, 
for I was no " spirit " or " ghost " ; that I appeared to be 
as solid as ever in my life. Mother smiled and said : " My 
son, if you are not a spirit, what are you ? " 

Well, I knew that I was not in the physical condition 
that I had been in, yet I knew all that had taken place : 
knew that the old body had been buried. Still, I was not 
dead and looked to be the same kind of flesh and bones as 
ever. She told me not to attempt to understand every- 
thing at once. Said that my wife could not see me with the 



52 BEYOND. 

natural eyes, but that some time I could place my hand on her 
head and she would realize that I was there and had done so. 
I found that there was no use in my attempting to 
understand it all yet, for there was so much that was 
unlike the ideas I had formed of the life in the Beyond. I 
did not like it very much, for I wondered how I could be 
of any service to you, if I could not make you hear me 
talk. I sat down and looked at you a long time ; then 
started to go out to the barn. As I came to the door it 
opened, and father came in and inquired how all were at 
home. I was so surprised that I could no more speak than 
a wooden man. Finally, I did inquire where he came 
from. He said : " Not very far from the same place you 
did," and we passed out to the barn and looked things 
over together. I said to him, while there, that for one 
that was dead I was in a mighty funny fix. He laughed 
and assured me that everything was just as it should be ; 
that we are the ones that are not right. He said : " Many 
things will look very strange to you for some time, be- 
cause we were not aware that the Beyond is such a place as 
we find it to be. In other words, we will have to learn 
over again what we blundered over when in earth life. 
Many things will puzzle you and the lesson will have to be 
correctly learned now. Still, it is very simple, if we place 
ourselves in the right condition to receive instruction from 
those who are experienced in heavenly wisdom. You 
will find that I am right now, if I did make mistakes in 
my earth work." 

I admitted that as he had been here so long, he probably 
did know what he was talking about and am sure he did. 



BEYOND. 53 

Mother came to meet us and thought we had hetter re- 
turn to our home in the Beyond, to which I objected, for I 
wanted to remain with you. It may seem strange to you, 
but the fact was that I could not realize that I was a 
spirit, for I was so real in every way. We remained with 
you for some time, but I finally became convinced that the 
great change had taken place, and I cannot say that I was 
very happy about it, for some time. 

It was a great relief to feel rested and know that I 
would never be troubled with sickness any more, nor have 
to contend with the petty annoyances that are to be met 
in earth life. That was very pleasing. 

I often found myself on the road to the house to ask 
you something, or tell you something, before thinking that 
you could not see or hear me, and that made me realize 
that now you were alone and would have to care for 
yourself and Linda the remaining years of earth life. This 
was to me at first gloomy and disappointing, but as time 
passed on I saw that you could take about as good care of 
yourself as I could of you, and it was a relief to learn that 
you could do so, and also that you realized the truth of 
spirit return, for then I was more contented with my con- 
dition and more ready to return to father's home in the 
Beyond. 

One bright morning I took hold of father's and 
mother's hand and was ready to go to their home in 
Heaven. The same vapor surrounded me as when I 
passed away before. I was aware of moving, but could 
not see anything we were passing. Just before arriving 
at their home a red light covered us, the vapor cleared 



54 BEYOND. 

away and I found that we were in a place that cannot be 
perfectly described. You will have to wait until you see 
it before you will be able to understand its beauties fully. 
Such flowers ! Such music ! My first thought was, where 
did all the flowers come from? We had arrived at the 
home that has been described to you by father. 

Four little children came to meet us. One had a 
wreath, one a basket of flowers, one had her arms full 
of flowers, and the other had a cross of flowers. Two 
little ones dropped flowers in the path as we passed up 
to the home. The others placed the wreath on my head 
and gave me the basket and cross to carry. Others were 
there and sang: " Welcome, dear Uncle Henry." That 
caused tears of joy to roll down my cheeks. Such a 
greeting, for one who had worked all his life in vain, as 
he had supposed ! 

The many disappointments I had met in earth life were 
washed away with this unlooked for welcome into the 
Beyond, and I was overcome with joy. We passed into 
the home and I was seated in a beautiful chair and there 
rested and drank in the atmosphere of this wonderful 
place of beauty. While sitting here some one came up 
behind the chair and put hands before my eyes. I was 
taken by surprise, for I was not expecting anything of 
that kind in Heaven. Soon my eyes were uncovered and 
my sister Libbie stood before me, as real as life. We 
visited and talked a long time, she frequently laughing at 
my thoughts as to how I expected to find the life and 
surroundings in Heaven. 

We were invited out "to tea." Yes; this will sound 



BEYOND. 55 

just as strange to you as it did to me, but we were, just 
the same, and started to go there. I was like a little child, 
ready to go any place and try and be ready for anything 
to happen now. 

We came near another home, and father said : " I 
have a friend here and we will stop a few minutes." This 
was a beautiful home, but wholly unlike father's. We 
walked in and there in the center of the room stood my 
sister Susan, smiling. She came forward and welcomed 
me to " her home." I was full of emotion, and will admit 
that I cried like a child at the wonderful and unexpected 
surprises I had met thus far in my stay in the life here 
in the Beyond. 

That " tea supper " was a wonder to me. Here I was, . 
as they said, in Heaven and enjoying all the things that 
go to make you in earth life happy when yon are hungry 
and thirsty for tea. This looked so much to me like times 
I had enjoyed in days gone by, that I almost thought 
I was crazy, as I before thought, when standing beside 
the bed looking at my old dead body after the accident. 
But all this is true ; and why not ? If we live and have 
such real bodies here, it would seem rather necessary to 
get sustenance from some source. Don't you think so ? 

There is no day and night here as with you, yet there is 
a difference in the light, or brightness at times. The light 
is shining always. If we return to you in the dark por- 
tion of the light, we find that it is night on earth, there- 
fore we may not always state time correctly to you. 

I passed my time for months visiting different places in 
company with our loved ones here, and all looks so much 



56 BEYOND. 

like earth life that it is impossible for me to feel at all like 
a dead person yet ; and I am assured that no one dies. 

Here we can have everything we want, if we are worthy 
and live the right. 

"We go to any place, provided we have the will-power to 
get there. 

Father informs me that if I were to sit in idleness all my 
time, not doing any good nor being of use to any one, I 
would remain in just the same condition I was in upon first 
entering the life in the Beyond ; that we must enter a life 
of usefulness here, to be much of anybody, as is the case in 
earth life. Yet, it is not laborious work here, as with you. 

If we aspire to something we do not know how to accom- 
plish, there are those ever ready to help us onward and up- 
ward and it does not take a lifetime to learn it, nor a cent 
of money. This comes very acceptable to me, as I worked 
all my life on earth for what money only would secure. 

Here we do not have to get up at five o'clock in the morn- 
ing and work till eleven o'clock at night, and go to bed tired 
and discouraged. Oh, no; none of that here. 

On coming here I felt that it would be glorious to be 
free from work and care, that I would never want to work 
any more. But as I became rested I was uneasy and took 
a long ramble with father, going to many places and was 
surprised to find cities, stores and business carried on as in 
earth life. 

They do not manage business here on a money basis, for 
everything is governed by character and a foundation of 
good endeavor, true heart and right conduct. All having 
these qualifications obtain grand results and receive any- 



BEYOND. 57 

thing they want in any business place. If we are not 
worthy, we are so informed and kindly instructed what to 
do. We then leave, with a blessing and the hope to see us 
again and be able to grant our request. Deception does not 
work well here. Every, one is taken for actual worth and 
valued from the standpoint of "Do unto others as you 
would that they should do unto you." 

After this journey was ended, we returned to father's 
home. I have visited various homes of friends and loved 
ones, have met Adelaide and Edna and frequently been at 
their home. The little darling Edna is very bright and 
happy. Adelaide is an angel of peace, administering to all 
who are in trouble and worshipped by all who know her. 

My dear wife, let me say this to you : live as contentedly 
as possible the few remaining years left you in earth life. 
Take good care of our child Linda and all will be well with 
you here. Be assured that I am with you *very often and 
will be the first to meet you when the time comes for you 
to cross the river called death, and will lead you to a home 
made ready for you in this world where there are beautiful 
mountains, trees, rivers, flowers, birds and loving friends 
who are waiting patiently for your earth work to be com- 
pleted so that they may welcome you to the joys of eternal 
life in the Beyond, where there will never be any more part- 
ing in sorrow and tears. 

Affectionately, your husband, 

Henry B, Kenton, Jr. 



58 BEYOND. 



VII. 



Rerbert's Letter to His Wife in St. Paul. 

Yes, my dear one, I fully understand that you are 
anxious to know how I found friends and conditions on this 
side the river. I know that you are anxiously waiting to 
know if I found everything as our loved ones so often de- 
scribed the Summer Land to be, and though I have not 
been here long enough to give you a very full description 
of the happiness and loving kindness brought to me by 
the dear ones who took so much interest in my sickness and 
suffering while in earth life, I hope to satisfy you that all 
they said to us was true, and assure you that the reality of 
the life on this shore is vastly more grand and beautiful 
than the brightest description they have ever given us. 
They say that were we to tell the whole story truthfully 
to mortals of the wonderful beauties of the world beyond 
the river, it would be a source of misunderstanding, and 
would not be believed, because there is nothing in earth 
life equal to it ; therefore they come with no more than 
you can receive and understand. Thus it is, that let us 
come here fully prepared, as we think, to find beauty and 
loveliness complete, we are greatly and happily surprised. 

This writing to you from this side of the river is like 
being away in some place in the sunny south, where I am 
having a grand time every minute. Still, there is no place 
in the south to compare with this. You will never fully 
understand very much of the loveliness of this world until 
you come into the new life. I miss you, notwithstanding 
I have so much that is so nice and am surrounded by so 



BEYOND. 59 

much that is beautiful. Do not worry; keep cheerful and 
look ahead to the grand time when we will not have to 
part again. 

I can hardly believe yet that I have passed through the 
change called death, because it was so quiet and easy. Be- 
fore I passed into the gentle sleep which bore me away 
from suffering in earth life to my loved ones in this new 
life, I was filled with new strength and new brightness 
that enabled me to laugh with you. I was so completely 
free from pain or illness that I felt competent to do al- 
most anything, and was confident that I would remain 
with you until the following morning. I thought that 
would be my time for leaving you, and so did not resist 
the inclination to sleep that was creeping upon me. The last 
I remember was reaching for water and drinking, then said 
to myself, " Wish I could always feel as well as I do now." 

Upon awaking, I felt myself floating — appeared more 
like a dream of flying — soon could feel arms about me, and 
the mist before my eyes cleared away, and saw that I was 
being carried to some place. I did not fully realize that I 
was really being carried to another place or that I had met 
with any change. This truth came to me more like a 
dream than anything else. I was like one half asleep and 
saw things dimly, and remained so until the friends who 
were carrying me placed me under a large tree, with a 
pillow under my head. Then I looked around and soon 
came to myself more fully. The dreamy condition passed 
away while I was resting under that tree and I was then 
aware of the fact that some change had come to me, but 
did not think the great change had come; for I had not 



60 BEYOND. 

suffered any since becoming so sleepy, and I did not think 
the soul could be freed from its earthly house without much 
suffering. 

You cannot imagine my surprise and joy while resting 
here to have our darling Edna come to me and put her 
arms lovingly around my neck and shower kisses upon my 
face and lips. As yet she was the only one I could see, 
and she was like a little bird, so perfectly wild with joy at 
my being at last with her. I soon found that others of 
our loved ones were there also and were waiting so that our 
darling could be, as she so often told us that she would 
be, the very first one to meet and greet me upon coming to 
the Summer Land. Here I appeared to remain for some 
time, resting and gaining strength and soon could see clearly 
some little way in the distance, yet beyond a short dis- 
tance all was a downy pink vapor, hiding all beyond. 

Little Edna said : " Papa, you have now really come to 
stay, and I am very glad. Look : here is Mamma Adelaide; 
she has been with you all the time." I turned my head 
and sure enough, there stood our dear noble Adelaide who 
has so unceasingly been with us. I knew her from the re- 
semblance to father's picture of her, but she is very much 
more beautiful. She raised my head upon her arm and 
looking me in the face, said : " My dear boy, we are so 
glad you are at last free and at rest." 

The dreamy condition had not fully passed away and I 
did not quite understand how I had come to them, but be- 
gan to feel that I was now one of them. Still I did not 
feel quite wide awake enough to be certain of it and said 
to her that something appeared to have taken place. 



BEY>OND. 61 

"Yes; you are now what we call a 'spirit;' you have 
solved the great mystery; you are horn again.'''' 

Well, so far, I enjoy being born again and told her so. 
I cannot describe my feelings any better than to assure you 
that I am entirely free from pain, illness or dragging con- 
ditions of any nature; though weak, could move without 
effort of a bodily nature or weariness. True, I could not 
go far at first without assistance; earthly conditions seem 
to cling to me as yet. "When I started to walk, little Edna 
took my hand, Adelaide encircled her arm around me and 
this was the first that fully appeared strange to me, for I 
moved without using my limbs at all; simply glided along 
softly and easily. I could walk the old way if I wanted 
to, but it was more of an effort and so I floated with 
them. I spoke about this peculiar way of going and Edna 
said : 

" Well, papa, you ain't flying, cause you haven't got any 
wings. We all go so. Ain't it nice ? Beats walking all 
to pieces." 

I wondered where we were going to and Adelaide said r 
"We will soon stop so you can rest." I noticed that we 
passed through different currents of air quite often, which 
gave me more and more strength and Adelaide assured me 
that I was gradually passing away from earth conditions. 
Finally we came to a little gem of a spot and rested. Here 
was a little brooklet, with grass and flowers very bright, 
abundant, and beautiful. I gathered some flowers and the 
perfume was divine. I had no questions to ask here, for 
I was perfectly at ease and contented with our darling 
little Edna, who was talking to me all the time. If I had 



62 BEYOND. 

been cast into a place of darkness, her presence alone 
would have made me happy, for she is angelic in purity 
and loveliness. I cannot realize that such a child could 
have ever been of earth, earthly. 

With all the beauty and the great restful influence which 
filled me through and through, I did not feel called upon 
to make any remarks or raise any questions. To be here 
was all I could comprehend for some time. And here we 
rested in this beautiful spot, so that I could gain strength. 
There was no noise here save the singing of the birds and 
trickling of the water. Little Edna filled my lap with 
flowers, telling me the name of each kind, and finally said: 
'Papa, there comes some one you will be very glad to see, 
and he will be very hajjpy to meet you. Look, way down 
that path, can you see any one ? " 

I looked and sure enough saw a man of medium height 
coming; he wore a suit of black with a high "choker" or 
cravat about his neck. He came with a quick, elastic tread, 
and I knew at once that this was grandpa Kenyon and 
went down the path to meet him. He took both of my 
hands in his and looked into my face for several minutes 
before he said a word, then exclaimed : 

"Thank God! you are home, my boy; I am more glad 
than words can express. I knew you were very near here 
and was with you until you went to sleep, then left you in 
the care of Adelaide and others dear to you, while I has- 
tened to shout the glad tidings to the many who are wait- 
ing to see you at the earliest moment possible. As soon as 
your strength will allow, they will greet you." 

He put an arm around me and led me to the spot where 






BEYOND. 63 

Adelaide and Edna were, and we became seated also. I told 
him that I did not think I was coming quite so quick as I did. 

" We knew it, and were ready for the change. It did 
seem very slow to us and very painful for you and Addie, 
but now you are safe over it and will gradually gain 
strength which will be lasting. There is no losing ground 
here; you will get well here. This climate will work a per- 
fect cure. It will take a little time, but will be sure." 

I assured him that I appeared to be getting stronger all 
over alike and it does seem good to be free from pain. 
Yes ; many of your experiences here will be enjoyable. I 
wanted to know how long I had been in this spot, and they 
said only a few hours; that now it was about the morning 
hour at your earth home. 

I was anxious to return and try to help you in this time 
of sorrow ; to leave you in this way was harder to endure 
than the pain from disease, and the separation is unpleasant 
to think of yet. I was assured that our friend "White 
Locks " was with you from this side, and would support 
and carry you through all your grief and sorrow and remain 
until I was stronger and able to assist you. Then I sat 
down again and prayed for strength so that I could soon 
be by your side and help hold aside the cloud of sorrow 
that had finally closed in and around you. 

Little Edna was perfectly wild in her delight and ap- 
peared possessed with the idea of keeping my thoughts 
from the scene of sorrow that filled the home. She flew 
from one thing to anothei*, kissing and fondling me in her 
great joy and strength that she has found in the new life* 
Now her strength is equal to her every wish, which fills 



G4 BEYOND. 

me with gladness. She has grown faster since she came 
here than at any time in earth life and is truly an angel of 
light to all who see her. 

While enjoying the perfect restfulness of this lovely 
spot, with Adelaide and Father Kenyon, also delighted 
with the unbounded happiness of our darling Edna, I 
thought I could hear some one singing in the far off dis- 
tance. I could just hear, but though faint, it was distinct, 
clear, and very sweet, and gradually came nearer until lit- 
tle forms and bright faces came in view. They appeared 
to come from the clouds and came skipping toward us, all 
keeping perfect time to the song they were singing, often 
passing by and around each other in all manner of shapes. 
All had a profusion of flowers which they scattered as 
they came along the way. When they came near, Edna 
joined in the song and went to meet them and, taking one 
of them by the hand, she also joined in the dance. I never 
saw anything so perfectly angelic as that was. 

As they came to me, Edna said : " Papa, these little girls 
are my playmates ; ain't you glad they came ? " Before 
I could reply they commenced to sing. I closed my eyes 
in sleep to pass into sweet dreamland where the loving 
angels keep the Rosebud lost in spring time ; softly the 
breezes wafted my light canoe across the silver waters, 
until the echo from distant land passed away, and left 
in mortal keeping : gently we glided over waters clear, 
until the spiritual Heaven flooded the way with a bril- 
liant light which told me my voyage was ended, that I 
with others was now at home, forever home, in the Spirit- 
ual Kingdom. 



BEYOND. 65 

All these little buds came forward and kissed me, then 
dropping flowers over me said : " Good by, now, but we 
will come to you again." You cannot imagine how very 
beautiful it was and how I appeared to drink all this beauty 
in and live it ; these experiences come to us so differently 
and affect us more than anything in earth life. I was com- 
pletely filled with perfect love for all these children. No 
thought came in to mar this happiness and love. They 
appeared to completely wrap me in their loving influence 
and I was perfectly content and felt to grow stronger 
every moment they were with me. I felt as though I was 
again a child and inclined to get up and dance also. 

After they passed out of my sight, much of the mist or 
vapor cleared away from my vision and I could see more 
distinctly and further away, and I gradually became ac- 
customed to the bright light that was surrounding me. It 
was to me like stepping out of dense darkness into a bright 
light, and was more than my poor weak eyes could stand. 
In some respects I felt like an infant. I was almost as 
helpless at this time from weakness and could not go far, 
for I did not know how to use the strength I had, but did 
and could do as they told me. It is easy after knowing 
how. 

You know that for years I suffered very much in my 
head and would now frequently feel, to find out if that 
head was on my shoulders yet, for I was so perfectly free 
from pain and so comfortable that it was difficult to realize 
that it was the same old head, for now it was clear as a 
bell. 

While Adelaide and Father Kenyon were talking with 



66 BEYOND. 

me, I saw a young lady coming rapidly toward me and 
knew at once that it was my sister Mary. From another 
direction came sister Rhoda. They met before they came 
to me, joined hands and came together, each bringing a 
wreath of white lilies. As I stepped forward, to meet 
them their joy was unbounded and they placed one wreath 
on my head and gave the other into my hand and led me 
back to Adelaide and Father Kenyon. My sisters were 
young when they passed into the new life, but I felt as 
though I had always known them. There is something that 
appears to tell me who every one I meet is. You remem- 
ber that I never saw these sisters and to recognize them in 
this way and to feel so happily at home with them is 
glorious. As yet I have not required an introduction, ex- 
cept to the group of Edna's playmates. 

Father Kenyon states that I will not see all my friends 
on this side at once, for I am not strong enough to enjoy 
the meeting as they wish me to and I am quite satisfied to 
accept the meeting and greeting as they have apparently 
arranged it. They appear to plan everything here so as 
to get the greatest happiness out of all they do for me. 

Adelaide suggested that we now go to her home. This 
was just the most agreeable tiling she could have thought 
of, except returning to you. She took one of my hands 
and darling Edna the other ; Father Kenyon led the way 
and my sisters followed behind, all however keeping very 
close to me so that I could receive strength from them. 

All along the path we were passing were flowers in great 
profusion and perfectness, grass as green as anything you 
can imagine, in fact a very brilliant green. We passed 



BEYOND. 67 

through a massive forest where the trees were very high 
and perfect in shape, with foliage so beautiful that I just 
had to stop and look at them ; the limbs came together 
and formed arches over our heads with the most beautiful 
foliage I ever saw. There can be nothing in earth life to 
compare. 

Little Edna said : " Papa, never mind ; you got lots of 
time to see everything. I want to show you our home 
and all my pretty things." 

Then I took her hand again and passed along; we 
passed by Father Kenyon's beautiful home which is as real 
as can be. The stoop was full of people, and when we 
came in view, they sang a sweet song. Father waved his 
hand while Adelaide and myself bowed our heads. I felt 
like stopping here but Edna was so anxious for me to visit 
her home "the very first of all," that we passed along and 
soon came to a bridge over the stream of water that sep- 
arates Adelaide's home from father's. Darling Edna calls 
it her home. As we wound around the Island we came 
upon the most charming spot that is possible to describe, 
and there, nestled and entirely covered with white blos- 
soms like apple blossoms, was 

Our Home Over The River. 

We passed up the wide walk which passes near the 
Fountain into the home, direct to our room, where they 
seated me in the grand chair of willow that was prepared 
is a place of rest where I could gain strength. Little 
Idna hastened to bring me some grapes, as she remem- 
)ered that I was very fond of them. Here I sat and 



68 BEYOND. 

enjoyed the wonderful rest that appeared to envelop 
everything. This was to me like returning home after 
years abroad and I was as happy as I could be to get back 
where every one was glad, all trying to do something in 
their quiet way to add to my comfort. I wish I could 
explain to you the wonderful effect and restful influence 
that came to me here at this time. 

I passed all through the house and it is like a little 
bird's nest. Ed's room is a perfect gem and so are all of 
them. I will not describe them, as Adelaide has already 
done so as near as can be, but you must see them to know 
their loveliness, and you would also have to be a " spirit " 
to comprehend it all. Were it possible for you to come 
here in the mortal form, you would not be able to compre- 
hend its beauty, for all coarser elements which sustain us 
physically when in earth life must vanish and spiritual life 
step in their place. We would be out of place here with 
our old worn out bodies. I am glad that 1 am free from 
mine. My spiritual body differs in some respects from the 
physical one, but is real. 

Although I am very far from being strong now, I am 
free from pain and weariness, but cannot yet move quickly 
nor at long distances unless with some particular persons. 
I gain strength from persons as well as from surroundings 
and can move quicker with one person than another. I 
can move easily, but would not make out much if left to 
myself for some time yet. My flesh feels to me just the 
same and as real as in earth life and I look the same 
except being free from the sick cast upon my counte- 
nance. I am just as thin as before passing over, but can 



BEYOND. 69 

breathe clear down to the bottom of my lungs, which 
gives me very great satisfaction, because it has been a long 
time since I could breath fully. I am assured that I will 
soon commence to gain and reach more than my usual 
mortal size. The atmosphere is stimulating, every breath 
fills the old parts held inactive by disease in earth life with 
new life and strength, creating a perfect part of the 
diseased when in earth life ; and it don't cost a cent. 

After feeling considerably strengthened and rested I 
told Adelaide that I would like very much to return to 
the earth home and my loved ones and try and.be of some 
comfort to my dear wife if possible. She called "Wild 
Flower," and in she came skipping, first on one foot and 
then on the other, her dress caught up and full of flowers, 
which she tumbled into my lap, for which she received my 
thanks. She said : 

" You are quite spruce for a new born spirit, almost as 
good as any of us, ain't you ? Well, I am awful glad you 
have come and we will have a fine time all the while now 
that you have come. I have been here nearly all my life 
and know every pretty place there is very near here, and 
you will be glad to see them all. You will feel free from 
all the old pains and weaknesses, and just that will be as 
much as you will want to enjoy for some time. We don't 
have any such troubles here." 

I assured Wild Flower that I had known for some time 
that I was coming, and was very glad now that I had and 
also that I was very much pleased to see her and find her 
as I always thought, happy and cheerful. She said I would 
not look so transparent very long, for I had come to stay, 



70 BEYOND. 

and would pick up very soon. She was so delighted that 
she could not keep in any one place for five minutes at a 
time. I told her I was going to my earth home now and 
she wanted to accompany us, and we were glad to have her 
because we knew you love her very much. 

Father Kenyon and all of us returned to you. I cannot 
find words to explain to you the wonderful beauty of the 
many places we passed on our way. Edna and myself 
clasped hands and stood close to each other, and the other 
loved ones formed a circle around us. There was no effort 
on my part. I simply glided along with them. I could 
only see a short distance away and noticed as we were 
moving great differences in the vapor-like clouds that en- 
circled us as we journeyed along. They lost brilliancy and 
finally became of a dull gray and bluish white and I soon 
saw myself up in the air directly over our home on earth. 
We descended without fear of falling and walked into the 
home. I then realized fully what had taken place. How 
strange it did seem to me ! There you and all the family 
were grieving for me and I was there, more alive than I had 
been for years. I knew that you could not see me, so did 
not have that disappointment to pass through. 

I embraced you for a long time and our darling Edna 
said it was too bad that mamma could not see us. I knew 
you would be brave and strong at this hour of suffering 
and separation, for some of our noble band were constantly 
by your side to give you strength ; but I knew your hero- 
ism and was proud of you, for I knew that outward emo- 
tion did not at all explain the terrible grasp that this time 
and hour of separation had upon your soul. I heard your 



BEYOND. 71 

prayer to be allowed to come also. No, my dear brave 
noble wife, your earth work is not completed. We have 
very much for you to do in earth life and are doing all 
that is possible for loved ones on this side to do, to sustain 
you. This you fully understand, and you also know that 
I would come to you as soon as possible for me to do so, 
and I did. With my arms around you, we passed with you 
into the room where my poor old body, worn and useless 
was lying, and I did not feel reluctant to leave it. It was 
to me then like a suit of clothing past repairing and of no 
further use. I had no feeling of sadness as I gazed upon 
it and said : " Well, the old shell stood the battle wonder- 
fully well, and is now taken care of by loving hands who 
bore, nursed and sheltered me all these years. Now I will 
do my remaining part for them." 

Then we passed into the room where my mother was 
and centered our whole strength upon her for she was com- 
pletely broken hearted. Dear soul, she is fast approaching 
the river of life where all partings and grief are over. 

Again your grief carried you into the room where the 
old form lay, and we succeeded in making you hear our 
words, " It is all right." You then realized that we were 
with you, and it was the voice of loved ones on this side 
you heard, assuring you " that all was well with the one 
who loved you more than all else." 

It was not possible for me to remain long, and from 
necessity I returned to the dear ones and restful home on 
this side, where some of our messengers brought me fre- 
quent news from you until after the last offices of return- 
ing the body to mother earth were completed. I did not 



72 BEYOND. 

realize that I had so many friends in earth life, and I was 
deeply sorry that I could not thank them for their kindness 
to me and my loved ones at this time when sympathy is of 
more value than gold. 

The first time you went to the cemetery after my body 
was laid away, I was with you and could not realize that 
it was my old body that laid there beside our dear Edna's 
form ; in fact the grave does not cause us much thought, 
for we look at life in a new light after coming to this side, 
and are more apt to think that life has just commenced in- 
stead of being ended, as is so often the case when viewed 
from the earth side standpoint. After remaining with you 
as long as possible at this time, giving you all the strength 
we could possibly bring you, we again returned to our 
home in heaven to gain more strength for future visits to you. 

On our return to this side of the river at this time, I was 
surprised to find our home surrounded with people. Father 
and Adelaide saw my surprise and informed me that these 
were our band and new friends, and sure enough every 
one I had ever been well acquainted with and had passed 
on before were there, and we did have a grand time. I 
never enjoyed any greeting of friends as this one. Instead 
of talking and tiring me in the effort to answer them, there 
was singing, recitations, children dancing and representing 
flowers in the way they would group themselves together. 
At this time the children were dressed in different colored 
dresses, enabling them to represent the various flowers they 
wanted to. The first flower represented was a pansy, and 
it was wonderfully done and perfectly beautiful. 

Father Kenyon, Adelaide, Edna, myself, my sisters and 



BEYOND. 73 

Wildflower sat in a row, and at the close of this reception 
each came and dropped a pansy in our laps. Other flowers 
were represented, and we were each time presented with 
one at the end of the ceremony. Nothing except actually- 
viewing this scene can . give you any correct idea of the 
glorious enjoyment there is in such loving demonstrations. 
I wish you could have been here to hear the music, then 
you would realize to the fullest and know what music is. 
After representing various kinds of flowers, they formed 
in some way to represent a bell perfectly. This was done 
a little way from us and was perfectly grand. Then Libby 
recited the following : " Welcome home, my dear friend, 
welcome to the Summer Land, where I, with others, have 
been waiting to receive you home. Every blade of grass 
so green, every flower blooming sweet, have their place in 
making your life complete. The little brook close by your 
side will soon fill you with great delight. When you are 
rested from the long waiting and are rested in our care, 
you will enter into all our pastimes and truly feel yourself 
young again. The cap of mental manhood was left in the 
past for one more fitting your spirit in the new life that 
will forever last. With fresh vigor and strength return- 
ing, filling you with buoyant activity, you will say with 
gladsome smile, I am truly now a child. How glad I am 
to greet you thus, and how happy to take you by the hand ! 
The passing o'er does not take long when once you open 
wide the door, for you simply close your eyes and glide 
away, to awaken upon the brighter shore. 

" How sweet to know that we do not die, and be for ages 
left in the tomb to wait until the trumpet calls for us to 
4 



74 BEYOND. 

come up and be off. My friend, the trumpet rings out 
clear and loud, far and wide, now calling home across the 
tide, one by one, from all over the wide world. How sweet 
to find so many loved ones on this side the shore waiting 
to welcome you to the immediate happiness awaiting you 
when the trumpet called for you to lay down the old and 
be clothed in the new. How grand it is that your darling 
child Edna could be the first to meet and gi-eet you here. 
How thankful you must be to realize the truth that has so 
often been sent you from this shore, that your darliug one 
has been safely sheltered in the arms of our Adelaide, where 
no harm could find her. Yes ! Welcome home is the glad 
song of all your dear ones in the Summer Land." 

My dear wife, this life, so far, has been very real to me, 
and I feel to-day that I am living more fully than when in 
the old form. I had no fears about coming to this world, 
but did worry about leaving you without knowing how it 
would be with you in coming years. You must be brave 
and do the best you can ; there is always some way of liv- 
ing, and you will always find the right and will have many 
friends there and here to encourage you. 

Darling, never feel that you are alone, for I am with you 
more than any other place. Kiss darling Howard for papa, 
and teach him all about me. I will write you often, and 
help you day by day, so that the light ahead may lead you 
out of darkness and doubt. Fear not, my brave wife, lov- 
ing ones will ever be near you to give strength and encour- 
agement as you journey along in the path of right and 
duty in the life below. Affectionately your husband, 

Hebbebt. 



BEYOND. 15 

VIII. 

Father Kenyon^s Diary. 

To My Son, in St. Paul: As you have expressed a 
wish to know where we live and how we have passed the 
time since coming into the New Life, I very gladly avail 
myself of this opportunity to give you a record of my first 
thoughts and experiences, that you may know more fully 
what the real life in the Beyond is. 

Upon awaking from the last earthly sleep, I found my- 
self on a long bridge that crossed a beautiful stream of 
water. I appeared to be in about the center of it, and on 
looking ahead, saw people, but was not near enough to 
recognize them. On looking back all was dark. A mist 
or cloud had formed at that end and I could- not see what 
was beyond it. I also noticed that the cloud was coming 
nearer me. 

I thought that if this was not strange I did not know 
what was and concluded to pass on to the end where the 
people were ; perhaps they could tell me where I was. 
That cloud continued to roll over and nearer me, so I 
started to reach the other side. I had not gone far when 
I heard some one singing an old familiar church hymn. 
I thought they were a respectable crowd and as I advanced 
I recognized every one. They were my old friends and 
young converts that had become Christians through my 
teachings. 

As I stepped off the bridge they all came up, shook 
hands with me and said: "Our dear kind friend, we are 
very glad to welcome you to your heavenly home." I 



76 BEYOND. 

asked them if they were in their right minds, for if this 
was Heaven it was not the place I wished to see ; and fur- 
thermore I did not believe them and told them so. They 
said: "All will be clear to you in time; trust to us, as we 
have trusted to you." 

I looked at myself and could see no change, only I 
seemed perfectly well and knew I had been very sick, so I 
was willing to let them lead me. We walked a little dis- 
tance and I sat down on a log that was by the roadside. 
There were trees, a few flowers and a great number of 
birds ; just like a lovely, perfect woods. The road and 
everything looked natural. Not that I had ever seen a 
place like it ; still there was something that looked like 
things on earth. This I noticed in particular : everything 
was fresh and growing, nothing was dry or decayed ; all a 
beautiful green. The light threw shadows here and there 
and all was peaceful and quiet. While I was thinking it 
over a dizziness came over me. I looked for my friends 
and they surrounded me in a circle and I felt myself lifted 
up and carried away. I could not see anything but a 
misty vapor that seemed to be surrounding me. 

How long I remained in that state I could not tell, but 
think only a few minutes. I came to myself and found 
that I was alone in the most heavenly place I ever saw or 
it is possible to imagine ; pencil cannot describe the beau- 
ties of that perfect spot. I did not feel lonely or seem to 
call for any one, and was just simply resting ; it was per- 
fect rest. All around me was grass so very green, the dew 
was still on it ; flowers were in blossom, birds and butter- 
flies of all colors and descriptions were flitting here and 



B-EYOND. 11 

there, all in perfect harmony. There was no fear, for they 
came close to me, some of them resting on my head and 
shoulders and sang their little happy songs fearlessly. I 
was not at all anxious to leave or find out where I was. As 
yet I did not believe it was Heaven. Still, it now looked 
as though it might be. 

While resting here, four little children came to me. They 
threw a bright light all around them and were all dressed 
in some kind of white material. Their faces were not fa- 
miliar. They were about four or five years old, apparently, 
and they had a basket full of white roses and some green 
vine. They came in front of me, but talked among them- 
selves, sat down on the grass and made a wreath for my 
head and a very large one that they put around me. I did 
not say anything. I could not ; and simply sat and looked 
on. 

After they had finished their flower work they stood be- 
fore me and sang, the sweetest I ever heard. Then they 
knelt in prayer : " Our Father, who art in heaven, I have 
come to Thee ; I have passed through the gates ajar and 
am resting in heavenly realms above. Look down, Holy 
Father, on me and guide my steps aright. Lead me 
through paths of righteousness into paths of bliss. I have 
extended the helping hand to sinners and taught the right 
to those I found stumbling by the way. Father in heaven, 
hear me while I now kneel in prayer. Suffer little children 
to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven, 
for they will show me the way. A little child shall lead 
me. Yes ; angels will direct me aright. I offer up my 
prayer to Thee and lovingly following thy many command- 



78 BEYOND. 

ments, pray that when I open my eyes, I may see Thee in 
the skies." Then they arose and raised their eyes and 
hands to the sky. 

It would be impossible for me to describe what took 
place so that you can understand it fully. A golden light 
covered everything, and up above in the sky I saw coming, 
running down amid the beautiful clouds, very many chil- 
dren, little girls and boys. The clouds were great banks of 
pure white, with a pink tint thrown over them. The chil- 
dren were all dressed in white, with their arms full of 
flowers, dropping them on their way. They rested amid 
air and all sang together " Come to Jesus," that I had sung 
so many years in Sunday school, only they sang " You are 
here with Jesus," and continued to scatter flowers as they 
sang. I was spellbound and looked at the heavenly sight 
in perfect wonder and amazement and had no doubt now 
about it being heaven. One little one about ten years old 
came forward with her golden hair flowing in the breeze, 
her happy face shining with a glorious light and reached 
out her hands, saying, " We have come to show you the 
way. At home in heaven are many mansions. I go to 
prepare one for you. It is I, be not afraid. I will lead you 
through valleys of beauty to a home which our Father 
in heaven has prepared for you. Trust me ; be not 
afraid." 

I reached out my hands and said : " Little darlings, one 
and all, who are you ? " " We are our Heavenly Father's 
children. You know he is very fond of little children and 
he takes us and blesses us." I inquired in what way ? 

" He blesses us by giving us life here that is full of happi- 



BEYOND. 79 

ness ; no sickness ; free from trouble and where we are 
never separate from those who love truth and the right. 
' His goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my 
life and I will remain in the home of my father forever.' 
You have taught the right and truth as you understood it. 
You have helped many poor, perishing souls to lift up their 
heads and love Jesus. You have sown seeds of kindness 
by the wayside. Your work on earth has been faithfully 
done. Now receive our Heavenly Father's blessed reward." 
They raised their hands in prayer and I did the same. 
Then they sang : " Will you follow me ?" 

After they had finished their singing, they formed in twos 
md commenced to move away. I took the little one's hands 
who had done the talking and she led me after the rest. 
We walked or glided — it was not walking — and passed 
through valley after valley, where I noticed there were 
rery many homes here and there, no two alike. Also a 
great many people ; some were under trees, others singing, 
but we passed them by and I asked my little guide if she 
did not think some of these a good place to stop. Her 
reply was : " They cannot see us ; we will not remain 
here." I could see them and wondered why they could 
not see us. She said : " We can see clearer than they can, 
for they are surrounded by a vapor cloud that shuts out all 
beyond for a time. They are now learning the lessons that 
should have been learned on earth." 

As we live and sow, so we reap. It all lies with each 
one individually, as to the happiness in store upon entering 
the life here. You have your work to do ; if you fail in 
accomplishing it, you are the one affected by the neglect. 



80 BEYOND. 

I remarked that they appeared happy and contented ; 
these certainly were lovely places. 

"Yes, but there will a time come, and has to many, 
when they will wish for other and better conditions. Then 
we have a duty to perform in teaching them the right way 
to a higher state of understanding. There is a time for 
everything here, the same as in earth life, and a law gov- 
erning the whole heavens." And we passed on. 

We passed a very wide stream of water that was rush- 
ing over stones and rocks, making a loud roaring noise. 
There were people here who seemed in an anxious state of 
mind. Some were crying and some were downcast. I in- 
quired the meaning of this, and she said : 

"These are those who have lived a life of wrong ; have 
given all their thoughts to worldly matters and have not 
done any good to those who were suffering. Some have 
deceived those who loved them, and never having repented 
while m earth life have it now to do. They are now reap- 
ing the harvest that their own life has sown. You do not 
suffer here for the wrongs of others ; when others lead you 
astray, they are the greatest sinners. We suffer according 
as we knowingly do wrong. When we are sorry for 
the wrong done and do better, the sin is erased from 
the great book, where all good and bad deeds are 
recorded." 

In this place there were no homes. All were simply 
wandering about, or sitting under the trees, not appearing 
to notice anything. 

I felt like stopping here and, as of old, do some mission- 
ary work in advising them, but my little guide said : "No, 



BEYOND. 81 

not now. After a time you can return if you wish to help 
them." Then we left them and passed on to brighter 
scenes. 

The little children crossed the stream. There was no 
bridge ; they just floated in the air across the water. I 
did not want to try it and told my guide so. She said : 
"A little child shall lead them," and I followed. She took 
me by the hand and a cloud surrounded us both. I could 
not see anything but her ; felt myself moving some place, 
but was not afraid. I had no fear now and soon the 
cloud cleared away and we were on the other side together 
once more. The atmosphere was not so clear now as in 
some of the other places and I called her attention to it. 
Before I had finished the remark, such a light burst upon 
us that I could hardly see. She reached up her hands and 
said : "Now I will leave you in better hands." She kissed 
me on the forehead and vanished, with all the little ones, 
and I was alone. 

I looked around me. All was quiet, clear and beautiful. 
There was a hill on one side and a valley or plain on the 
other. I could see, oh, so far away, flowers and birds of 
every description. I walked to a tree and sat down on 
the grass. I cannot tell why, but I felt as though some 
one was coming and was wondering who it was, when far 
away in the distance I saw your sister Susan coming to 
me, with a wreath and cross of flowers in her arms. As 
she came close to me she said : " Darling father, do you 
know me, your own child ? " I could not speak because 
of my great joy. She placed the wreath on my head and 
the cross at my feet and, folding me in her arms, drew my 



82 BEYOND. 

head to her bosom and kissed me as fervently as in earth 
life and said that she would take me to her home. 

I wonderingly raised my head, taking her hands in 
mine, and said: "Darling child, is it you?" "Yes, 
father ; it is I, whom you loved and cared for ; I, whom 
you missed so sadly when I passed away; hut now we 
have met in this world of love and glory never again to 
part in tears. I have been preparing a home for you all 
these years, for you know, father, that ' in Heaven there 
are many mansions.'" Then I arose and we walked away 
together. 

We followed the path she came and found new beauties 
in every place. I met some of my old friends on our way 
home. They seemed very glad to see me and said they had 
known for some time that I was coming to them before 
long and they hoped I would come and see them in their 
homes. 

I told them that I did not know what to promise, as 
everything was so different from what I expected that I 
was not sure of myself even, but certainly would be glad 
to do so. They assured me that they did not understand 
things at first, and had a good deal to learn every day. 
" We made some mistakes in our belief, but when you 
come to think of it, does not this seem to be the most 
natural way to look at it ? " 

" Yes ; some things look all right, but not everything. 
I did not expect to find trees, flowers, birds and people so 
free to go to every place, just as in the old world or earth 
life. There is this difference, however : you do not seem 
to be obliged to associate with those not in harmony with 



BEYOND. 83 

you. I like that, and do not know as I could better any 
of it, so far." They passed on and we started once more 
for our home. 

I thought we must have gone a great way and asked 
Susan if we were not near there ? " Yes, father ; just 
over the hill. Listen to what you will soon hear." I did 
so and should think there must have been thousands of 
birds singing, by the noise they made. When we were 
at the top of the hill there was a beautiful sight. Such 
birds, grass, trees, water, flowers, and children by the 
hundreds ; what a beautiful scene ! We stood still and 
looked on. I was amazed and did not move, for it was 
more than I could understand or comprehend. 

Soon the children saw us. and stopped their play and 
commenced singing. I should think a hundred little ones 
came running to us. Some had playthings, some flowers, 
some books of pictures, others with birds on their hands ; 
and all the darlings wanted a kiss. How did they know 
that I was always very fond of children ? 

I assured Susan that here was the place for me and I 
would remain. She said : "Just a little way beyond this 
is my home. These little ones live here and you can 
come to see them at any time." I asked a little one where 
her house was- and she laughingly answered : "We do not 
have any houses or churches here ; everybody is good. 
Ain't you glad you came ? " 

At Susan's suggestion I looked to the left and sure 
enough, there was a home for them. It was made out of 
some kind of wood, something like cedar, I should think. 
There were no doors and the roof was completely covered 



84 BEYOND. 

with a vine of some kind. There are many paths leading 
to it, flowers in profusion on all sides ; one large 
fountain and children were bathing in the water. 
Others were playing and sitting on the railing of 
the basin ; all playing, perfectly natural and childlike. 
I wondered if they would not get drowned, but Susan 
said " Oh, no ; we are not mortals ; there is no death." I 
went into this home and found the floor of grass and 
playthings everywhere. Quite a number of grown people 
came, shook hands and welcomed us to the " Summer 
Valley." They were the teachers of these little ones. 
These are children whose mothers could not own them in 
earth life ; their parents had been leading a life of sin. 
The little ones need care and advice here just as much as 
in earth life and there is always some loving one who is 
very ready and glad to have the care of them. I think 
one individual has the care of three or four at once, the 
same as though they were their own. The children have 
picnics and have a grand time together, then return to 
their foster-mothers for instruction and keeping. All 
are happy and healthy. All children grow to be men and 
women, but never get to look old as would be the case in 
earth life. 

When the old come, they grow younger in many ways, 
but never lose their gray hair ; but they become per- 
fectly well and strong, feeling a healthy glow. I am per- 
fectly strong, am not in the least tired, which is more than 
I had been able to say for a long time in earth life. We 
finally left this beautiful home of the children in Summer 
Land and passed along to our resting place. 



BEYOND. 85 

We had not gone very far when we came in sight of 
Susan's home, which is perfectly round and has a walk 
leading by a little low roofed place or arbor with chairs 
and a table inside. We passed through this arbor and 
walked up the steps into the home, which has a porch all 
around it. There are many kinds of vines running up on 
the outside and inside. Here were chairs for any who 
wished to come. There are six doors or passageways, 
with curtains of different colored material, drawn to one 
side instead of doors. Vines were twined up the sides 
and over the top of the passageways. The home was built 
of different woods, put together something like a fern pat- 
tern, and is curiously beautiful. 

I notice that different woods, flowers and everything 
is much brighter here than in earth life. We entered 
the home and I found the inside covered with thin pink goods 

lat Susan called silk. It is very thin and draped very 

racefully. Chairs were pink and blue. Everything 
3med to harmonize very nicely and brings a quieting, 

jstful condition. In the center of the room is a large 
rockery of different stones that Susan has gathered ; also 

lells of every description. On the rockery are growing 
lowers of every color. There are many birds flying fear- 
lessly around and singing sweetly. In the corner of 
the room is a mound of moss, growing fresh and beauti- 
:ul. There is but one room in this home. Here are 
3hairs, one especially for me, covered with pink silk. 

[ere also is a table with books, including the Holy Bible. 

^his was the first thing I had seen that particularly re- 

linded me of my mission there, for it looked just like 



86 BEYOND. 

ray old Bible and I asked her where she found my old 
Book. 

She said it was not the old one but one as near like it as 
she could make from the material she found. The pink 
and blue, with the light on it, throws a beautiful tint over 
the perfectly white floor. The roof runs up to a point. 
The vines, growing up the outside, have come in from the 
top of the roof and droop part way down the room ; be- 
sides, some have been trained down the sides of the room. 
On one side of the home is a little stream of water trickling 
along over pebbles and grasses with little fish swimming in 
it. There is also a cosy seat there, made out of a tree 
stump, with a large tree by its side to keep off the strong 
light. Here also is a rustic bridge crossing the stream. 

I have attempted to describe the home of Susan so that 
you can imagine how it looks, but you will have to see it 
to realize its beauty, and then it will take much time to 
instil all its loveliness into your soul. Susan, woman like, 
wanted to know if I thought her idea of a home perfect, 
and not being in a condition to find fault with so much 
loveliness I told her " Yes ; perfectly beautiful and rest- 
ful." 

We went out on the veranda and visited in our easy 
chairs just as we would after a long separation in earth 
life. I could not fully realize that all this was real and last- 
ing, and could not resist the impulse to take hold of her 
hand just to be certain that it was really my dear child. I 
had seen so many unexpected things that my joy was be- 
yond realization as yet. Susan saw my uneasy condition 
and said : " Darling father, you will never lose me again. 






BEYOND. 81 

I am here by your side, as of old, am now in my resting 
place and have been waiting long for you to come." 

She said that she had loving friends here and often 
returned to earth to comfort and bless those in sorrow 
and trouble. I asked if she meant to say that she returned 
to earth? She said, "Yes; very often; and have been 
close by your, side many times. Then you felt a peaceful 
influence but did not realize that it was I who brought it, 
for you did not think we could return." I assured her 
that I did not believe it then "and do not now ; for the 
Bible teaches very different from that, if I understand it 
correctly, and I think I do, for it has been my careful 
study." 

" Well, father, you have more to learn. You do not 
understand all the expressions and sayings as they are in- 
tended to be understood. Could you, for instance, picture 
a more heavenly spot — a more perfect resting place than 
this, and other places you have seen ? " 

" No ; I do not think I could ; but where are the wicked 
and ungodly ? Where is their punishment ? Do they come 
here and live in this beautiful region of love ? " 

"Oh, no, father; you will visit places of misery that 
need our influence and loving guidance. I have been doing 
my duty ever since I came here and as you want to know 
what it is, I will take you there." 

As we passed down the -steps, I walked to a flower bed 
and was looking at it, when as I looked back to see if Susan 
was coming, I saw your sister Libbie coming down the 
steps. She came to me, kissed me and said she was very 
glad I had come. I was surprised and inquired where in 



88 BEYOND. 

the world she came from so suddenly. She replied that she 
had been out walking and returning, Susan told her that I 
had come. I asked why she did not know it without being 
told ? She said : 

" Father, I have not been here long enough to become 
familiar with this new life, and can only walk a short dis- 
tance from our home and find my way back again. This 
may seem strange to you, father, but it is so. I shall, and 
so will you, learn everything after a little time." 

Susan now came and we three started down the valley. 
We did not go fast, as Libbie had to stop every little way 
and look at something that was too pretty for her to pass. 
I do not know how far it was to Susan's place of usefulness, 
as we travel much faster here than upon earth. No miles 
here ; will-power does it all. You wish yourself in some 
place and you find yourself moving and first you know you 
are there. 

We were all enveloped in a cloud as we glided along, 
and I inquired the reason. Susan said that she could see 
clearly and after a time we would, when we had learned 
to use our strength properly. The cloud served to keep 
us from becoming confused at things we were passing; for 
we were up in the clouds, a great distance from some places 
we were passing, and if we should become frightened and 
fear falling we would lose control of ourselves and go 
down to them. As soon as we had learned the way of 
moving from one place to another it would not be necessary 
to have any protection. I inquired why we could not walk 
on the ground, why was it necessary for us to walk in the 
clouds ? She said : " It is not a case of necessity. I do so 



BEYOND. 89 

now because we are passing place's that you and Libbie 
would wish to stop and see, and I wish you to go with me 
to my place of duty and helpfulness. After you have been 
here a little longer you can go where you please and return 
when you wish to; but, dear father, you have to learn the 
way first." 

I wondered how she found all this out, and she said : 
" A little child taught me the first step and then gave me 
into older hands. I lived for a long time with the children, 
as I was only a little child when I came, and was taken 
care of by a dear loving lady who we called 'Mamma 
Snowfldke? for she is so very white. We loved her very 
dearly. It was Snowflake who first took me back to yo u 
when you were so lonely without me. As I grew older 
and stronger I learned the way myself." All this sounded 
very strange to me. 

The cloud that had enveloped us cleared away and we 
were in a very strange place. I have seen a great many 
different places and conditions since, but nothing has ever 
struck me so completely dumb as this spot did, for it was 
my first experience of anything of the kind in the spirit 
world. There was a very steep hill or mountain on each 
side of us, leaving only a narrow valley running through 
rocks; very few flowers and not of a high order; water, 
that was all right enough, only it had a swift current. 
Not a bird did I see, nor a house or home of any descrip- 
tion. There were a great many people here and all looked 
as though they had just risen from the grave. I did not 
feel comfortable, and asked Susan what was the trouble 
here. Just then Libbie said : " Oh, father ! I see some one 



90 BEYOND. 

over there that I have seen in some place on earth, but do 
not remember where. I am going to speak to her." Susan 
said : " My dear sister, she cannot see you or any of us." 

I inquired what was the use of our coming to this place 
if we could not do any good ? " Please, father, watch me." 
Then she walked to where the woman was sitting, and put 
her arms around her and said : " You can leave this place of 
sorrow if you regret the wrong you have done." The woman 
paid no attention and did not appear to hear what had 
been said. Then Susan stood close to her and made passes 
over her, and very soon she began to cry and call for her 
little one, her little darling. Oh, if she could only find her 
child ! " Why did I leave her so cruelly ? Who will help 
me find my child ? Darling child, where are you?" Susan 
said to her : "You can find your little one." At this she 
arose and said, " I thought some one was speaking to me. 
Oh, I am so sorry that I ever did it ! My darling, where 
are you ? " All of this surprised me very much. 

Susan returned to us and said: "This is my work, to up- 
lift and help the poor, miserable ones who come here to 
this place of punishment. Here their conscience stings 
them to the heart's core. Now you and Libbie follow me," 
and she again passed to the woman's side and put her arms 
around her, and soon we were all enveloped in a cloud so 
dark that we could not see ourselves, at least I could not 
see, and we felt ourselves lifted and moving. The woman 
appeared to be unconscious. Susan said to us: "You will 
soon see something that will make your hearts bleed. This 
woman did wrong upon earth and will want to return and 
help thqse she wronged." " Yes," I said, " if that could 



BEYOND, 91 

be done, it would be well," but I doubted the possibility to 
do so. 

Soon we ceased to move, and Susan again made passes 
over her and the darkness cleared away and we were at the 
very place I wanted to stop at on my way to Susan's home. 
I was very glad to get there. Susan took the woman to a 
lovely spot under a tree, and laid her down. Here I offered 
to help, but Susan said she did not need any assistance. A 
brightness came over all, and many little children came 
running to us. Some of them went away again and gath- 
ered flowers which they brought and placed around the 
woman. We simply stood at one side aud looked on. 
Very soon she arose and looked around. Oh ! such a look! 
It made my heart almost break for her. The little ones 
were close by her side. At first she could not speak. 
They began singing and she cried out, " Oh, Grace; where 
are you ? I want you." The little ones threw their loads 
of flowers to her and then went away. She arose and 
walked away up the valley and we followed, but did not at- 
tract her attention as she could not see us. Soon six little 
girls came running, singing very sweetly, and had their 
playthings with them. As they came near the woman, one 
of them stopped, apparently surprised, and said: "Oh, 
Mamma ! Mamma ! dear Mamma ! " and ran to her and was 
recognized. They were folded in each other's arms, and 
such loving words, such caressing, such a meeting of 
mother and child cannot be described. The little one so 
very happy to meet her own mamma, the mother overcome 
to know that she was forgiven for her wrong doing and 
once more with her neglected darling. I felt that I must 



9 2 BEYOND. 

speak to her, but Susan said : " No, dear father; I never let 
them know that it is I who lead them out of darkness. 
Here we will leave mother and child together." 

Before we passed on I looked again and the little one 
was putting flowers in her mother's hair, not appearing to 
understand why her mamma grieved so at meeting her. 
Then we passed on. Surely there is work for us here. 
Libbie was so glad to see the reunion that she wanted to 
remain and we left her there for a time. Libbie had left 
a darling child in earth life and this mother's joy was such 
that she decided to remain and enjoy the presence of these 
little children and this happy mother. 

I returned with Susan to her home and sat down and 
thought these things over. Here I was in Heaven, free 
from all pain in passing out of the body; have not exper- 
ienced a moment's discontent since coming here, al- 
though everything is very different from what I expected 
to find it in every respect. Surely, I have made a great 
mistake about Heaven and will now try and find out how I 
did so and where I was wrong. The Bible is a Holy 
Book, but I am wrong as to its teachings, so I will try and 
right myself. 

I was not satisfied with the idea that I could not go 
where I pleased and return at my pleasure as well as any 
one, and told Susan that I would like to go away by my 
own self and see where I would land. She consented and 
told me that if I should want her, to sit down and wish 
for her, look for her and not leave the place I was in when 
I felt lost and called for her. I promised to do so, in case 
I got in a place I could not get out of. I believed I could 



BEYOND. 93 

go from one place to another just as well as any one; did 
not think I would be fearful of anything I would see, so I 
bid her good-by and started in the opposite direction from 
the place where the little children were. I knew I could 
reach them and wanted to experiment on a larger scale. 

There is something very strange about the way we walk 
here. We move without any noise and flowers are under 
our feet but we do not crush them at all. There seems to 
be no death to anything. Flowers do not require any care. 
People do fuss with them, because they love to and 
have a natural love for taking care of them. You pick a 
rose or any flower and it does not wilt. When you throw it 
aside, it simply roots itself again and continues to live. I 
have noticed particularly that they are never dry. There 
is at times a dew falling upon everything. At times the 
light does not shine so clearly, but when it does come 
in its full splendor, all is glorious. 

Well, I had not gone very far when I felt a loneliness 
come over me, as though some one was calling me. I 
wondered at it, for this was the very first sensation of that 
kind. I thought perhaps it came from my being alone. 
There was no one near me that I could see. Perhaps 
Susan might have seen some one, but I could not and I 
thought there was a good deal of imagination about her 
talk. 

I was in a very pretty place, all was perfectly green, no 
birds or flowers. It was very still. I could not shake off 
the loneliness, so sat down and wondered what it meant. 
Soon my thoughts were of your mother and I could not 
get my thoughts away from her. I wondered how she 



94 BEYOND. 

was getting along without me, and must confess that I 
wanted to go back to our old home and find her. I had 
left her with so many children to look after and no means 
to do it with, I became uneasy and discontented and won- 
dered if I could go back and find her. I had not believed 
I could return to earth after death, but she and the chil- 
dren were there, and I thought if I must wait years and 
years before I could see or hear from her, or know how 
she was getting along, I would not be happy here. 

What made me think of the old home, if I could not 
reach it ? The little children said I was to be very happy 
here, but unless I could blot out all love for my wife and 
children that I had loved and cherished so many years, un- 
less I can forget them entirely, I do not see how I can be 
contented here or in any place without knowing how they 
are getting along. Now I see that it cannot be accom- 
plished unless I can return to them. Here I was, all alone, 
and did not understand the first step toward getting to 
any place, so I called for Susan and waited as she had 
directed me to do. Soon I saw her coming to me and she 
laughingly inquired how I was getting along, and "why 
so sad ? " I told her my thoughts of home and the loved 
ones there; when she inquired if it was not perfectly nat- 
ural that I should wish to see mother and the loved ones at 
home, and assured me that she had been home many times 
and that I could do so also, "and now," said she," we will 
both return together to the dear old home where the loved 
ones are." 

She told me to fix my mind on mother and think of 
nothing else and we would try moving without a protect- 



BEYOND. 95 

ing cloud. That was just what I wished to do. It was 
quite evident that I must start at the beginning and learn 
over again things that I thought I already knew, and the 
sooner I acquired the knowledge the better. 

We walked away a short distance when we commenced 
to rise up into the air. We did not seem to be lifted, for 
we had solid footing ; still we were in the clouds, walking 
along, just like any one would on land. After a while 
Susan said : " We will soon be in sight of home." I 
thought it could not be, for we had only started, appar- 
ently. I found, however, that as usual, she was right. 
On our way we met a great many people going and 
coming from some place. They were happy and bowed 
to us as they passed. There appeared to be no discord 
and every one willing to help the other. 

We walked along on banks of clouds. All at once we 
stopped, the clouds separated and we passed down from 
them to the earth. Before reaching the earth I looked 
down and could see our home as distinctly as ever I did in 
my life. Then I had nothing to say about it not being 
possible to return from Heaven, or the Spirit World. I 
felt that all my hard study had been thrown away. How I 
came to make this mistake was more than I then understood. 

We walked up to our home and found the door shut. 
Then I asked Susan how we were going to get in. She 
said : " Use all your will-force and we will be there. It 
is more easy to pass through a doorway than to pass 
through a solid substance. When all is closed, you have 
to exercise all your will-force and magnetism to accom- 
plish it." 



96 BEYOND. 

We passed through the door all right. I do not know- 
just how to explain this. I felt myself moving and was 
looking at the door and then was inside the room, and did 
not ask any more questions. We passed into the sitting 
or living room and there was Mother as natural as I left 
her. She was sitting by the table, darning a pair of 
pants, but was looking very sad, sitting there working 
all alone, except that Sam was with her. He wanted to 
know of her "What made pa die, anyhow?" "My son, it 
was the will of the Lord. His time had come, so he must 
obey our Heavenly Father's wishes." Sam said it was 
awful mean, anyhow. Then mother told him to go to 
bed ; and she was alone. Susan and myself tried to make 
her realize that we were there. We put our arms around 
her and talked to her just as we would do if she could 
have seen and heard us. Soon she put her work aw r ay 
and opened the Bible and read, prayed and cried as 
though her heart would break. 

We remained close by her all the time. Susan made 
passes over her and soon she appeared to feel better and 
commenced to wonder how and where I was. Finally she 
retired for the night and had what she thought was a 
wonderful dream, in which she thought I had returned 
to her bedside and told her that I had been there in 
the home all the evening. She told her dream to Sam 
and he thought she had the nightmare and she concluded 
that she had eaten too hearty a supper. So I did not get 
the credit of doing what I had accomplished, for I was by 
her bedside and told her just the words she related to 
Sam. She never spoke of it after that once, nor have 






BEYOND. 97 

I been able to make her realize that I could return and 
I was very much disappointed. The boys would do 
things that I tried to tell them was not right but could 
not. They thought me dead, as I had always taught 
them, except Hezekiah ; he always would and did do his 
own thinking, which I did not like at all, but it is all right 
now, my son ; you were right, in a great measure. 

Susan thought we had better return to get more 
strength. "When we arrived at our home above, we 
found Libbie there with a number of little children 
that she had taken from Summer Valley for her own, 
two beautiful little girls and two lovely little boys. 
They were bright, sunny children. She was only on a 
visit, as she had decided to remain in Summer Valley 
with the children. 

Susan thought that if I would get a child for a guide 
and companion that it would be better, as we would help 
each other, as there were so many things that needed 
explaining, that a child did not understand ; and some 
that the child could explain to me. Therefore I went to 
Summer Valley all alone. Had no trouble finding the 
place. I had been there before, and it is the most beauti- 
ful place, to me, that I had seen. 

When I came in sight, the little darlings came running 
to me, so very happy and free ! I must sit down and talk 
to them ; and as I had come to find one for my own, I was 
glad to do so. But I never got into a place before where 
it was so hard to decide which one I would choose. One 
little darling would say something and I wanted her, then 
another would talk and I wanted that one. Finally I 
5 



98 BEYOND. 

inquired if they knew any little girl that would like to be 
my little girl. I thought that would decide it for me, but 
all jumped up and clapped their hands and laughed, 
saying : " We all will go, for we love you," and I would 
have taken them all if I could have had my way just 
then. Finally one said : " We cannot all go, but I know 
some one you can get," and away she ran. 

While I sat waiting for her to return, I asked the little 
ones if they were happy all the time, and they looked at 
me in wonder and answered in a way that made me feel 
very much ashamed for asking the question : " Why, 
ain't you happy ? We always are ; everything is so 
lovely. Don't you think it prettier here than the earth ? 
Could you make it any nicer ?" I told them no ; that I 
was sure that we were all very happy ; and dropped the 
subject. 

Soon my little messenger came with a child she thought 
would please me. She was ten years old, had large blue 
eyes, bright brown hair which curled down below her 
waist and was not confined by ribbon of any kind ; was 
dressed in thin white goods that floated all about her ; had 
flowers in her hair and a lovely wreath around her neck, a 
sort of necklace. She came up to me smiling, such a 
heavenly face I have never seen but once since. She took 
off the necklace and placed it on my head and wound her 
arms around my neck and kissing me said: "May I be your 
little girl?" Well ! I thought she could be anything she 
wished; and told her so. To which she said: "Oh, I am 
so happy! I will be your little guardian angel." I in- 
quired what her name was, and before she could answer, 






BEYOND. 99 

all the little ones began singing a pretty little song in 
which the name of my little angel was given as " Faith ; " 
and away they skipped, singing and running after each 
other like little fairies. 

My little Faith, how I loved her already! I looked 
down at her and offered up a prayer. She said : " May I 
call you papa ? " I assured her that I would love to have 
her do so. She said : " My own papa never loved us very 
much. Papa and mamma are not together very much." 
I inquired how old she was when she first came to Summer 
Valley. She said : " I was five years old and I was very 
lonesome at first and some little girls took me back to my 
home. Papa was not with mamma then and she was very 
lonesome. I could not make my mamma see me at all and 
she cried very much, because I was all the little girl she 
had. I got a brother, though. He is smaller than I am. 
Do you think we can go and find my mamma now? I 
want to see her." 

I told her that I would be glad to go, but she would have 
to teach me the way, as I had not been here very long. " Oh, 
yes ; I will. I did not always know how. You must take 
hold of my hand and want to go real bad and we will be 
there before long. That is the way I do." She asked if I 
would like to have her sing while we were going ; said she 
could sing real nice. Her songs were very sweet and I 
was very glad to hear them. She was as near being an 
angel as is possible to get. She wanted to know if I had 
a home of my own in Heaven and I told her not yet ; but 
intended to build one after a little time and would like to 
have her help me about it. She was much pleased and 



100 BEYOND. 

had a good deal to say about what we would have in it. 
On our way to Faith's mamma we passed by hill after hill, 
valley after valley and over streams of water. I could see 
all very clearly now, as I was not at all afraid. 

It did seem very strange to be moving just on air. Soon 
we passed into the clouds and it was just like walking on 
great banks of pure white snow, only instead of being cold 
we were very comfortable. Some, of the way there was 
blue sky above us and clouds below ; could always see a 
great ways around, which is strange, as we were right in 
the clouds. I inquired if she did not think it queer that 
we could go from one place to another this way. She said: 
"I did once, but should feel more so to go now as I did 
when I lived with my mamma. I like it here ever so 
much better than I did at my other home, don't you?" 
Well, I thought I did, still I would like "Mother" here 
to enjoy this with me. She said : " We will take her some 
flowers, sometime." 

As we were passing along we came to a black cloud and 
I could not see beyond it, and asked what we were to do 
now. She said: " We will be all right. Just wait and see 
who is in it. Some one feels bad. When they pass, all 
will be bright again." We looked at the cloud and it 
parted and a man walked out. He did appear to be 
very unhappy. Faith said: "Oh, dear papa; he has lost his 
way. Shall we help him ? " I really felt ashamed to have 
her suggest it first, but I was so surprised that I did 
not think much about anything. She did not know him, 
but that made no difference, and she went to him, but he 
did not appear to see her. She patted his face and he first 






BEYOND. 101 

looked at me and then at her and said: " Oh, sis ; will you 
tell me where I am ? I cannot get out of these clouds." 
I inquired where he wished to go, to which he said that he 
did not care. He had been trying to go from one place to 
another without help and could not do it. He thought he 
did not want any one to tell him how or where to go. To 
this Faith said: "All right, we will not; but just let me put 
this flower in your hand." She had gathered a basket of 
flowers before we started. He looked at her, then at the 
flowers and said: " Little fairy, who are you and where did 
you come from ? " "I am simply this papa's little Faith 
and wish you were happy. We must go now ; good -by." 

He did not wish to be left alone, for he was afraid he 
could not find his place of rest. Little Faith inquired if 
he did not have any friends here and he said not any, as he 
knew of. " Well, would you like to have a friend to help 
you?" "Certainly I would." "Well, just wait and I 
will find some one to help you." 

She knelt down and called: "Little children, little 
children, come this way, to little Faith. I am now call- 
ing for Sunbeam, to lead this dear papa to a home of rest. 
He has no one here to love him. Will you, Sunbeam, come 
to me ? " 

Soon I heard such sweet singing that I thought the air 
was full of children all singing. They came from every di- 
rection, in great numbers. Little Faith arose, went to the 
man and took him by the hand and the cloud cleared away 
and all was perfectly clear. The little ones had as many 
flowers as they could carry. Two little girls came to him 
and put a wreath on his head and beckoned to the others to 



102 BEYOND. 

come also and they placed flowers about him until he was 
surrounded with a glorious beauty of every color. 

He, like myself, was perfectly surprised and simply looked 
at them in wonder and amazement. It was more than I 
could comprehend and I did not say a word. Then they sang 
one of their gloriously sweet songs. Singing here is very 
different from that you have on earth. When they finished 
the singing one of them went to him and said : " Are you 
any one's papa ? " " Yes ; but my little girl is on the earth." 
" Would you like to have me with you for a little time ?" 
"Yes, my darling; will you come?" "Oh, yes; if you 
would love to have me. I am called ' Sunbeam' and we 
will go away to a place of restf ulness. I can show you the 
way." 

Now the stranger was in loving care and Sunbeam bid us 
good-by. Before we parted, the man came to Faith, put his 
arms around her and said : " My little angel, may you always 
be happy ! " " Oh, yes," she said, " we are never sad ; 
good-by, all." We watched them as they went their way, 
with all the little ones following. I asked Faith where they 
would take him. She said first to Summer Valley, then to 
any place he wished to go. 

Then we started once more for our place of duty and 
came to more dark clouds, but they were not so black. 
They separated, or in other words, we passed through them 
and saw a city below us. We passed down to a street and 
walked along from one place to another. I inquired if she 
had lived here. She said: "No ; we lived out quite a dis- 
tance. Do you not think this a pretty place?" "Yes; 
what is this city called?" "Oh, I forgot; you do not 



BEYOND. 103 

know, do you ? Well, this is Cleveland ; I like it here. 
Pretty soon you will see mamma's home. There it is ! Oh, 
I am so glad ! I think mamma is at home. It looks as 
though she is." 

This was a beautiful mansion. My little Faith certainly 
left a beautiful home when she came into the Beyond. It 
had large grounds, a fountain and vases. We walked up to 
the door and entered. Such grandeur ! Everything as 
rich and gorgeous as money could make it ! We passed 
through a winding hall and upstairs. Faith said: " Mam- 
ma's rooms are upstairs, for she always liked it better up 
there, cause she could get away from the noise." I noticed 
that it was very quiet there, but Faith said: " It is now, but 
at night it is not, for then papa is home." 

I wondered at her reply, but it was explained soon 
enough. Everything upstairs was as below, very beautiful. 
We came to mamma's Blue Room and did not find mamma 
there and passed into a crimson one and there was mamma 
and a dear little boy, sitting by the fire grate . I would sup- 
pose the mother to be twenty-five years old and the boy 
six. Both were fine looking. Faith ran up to them and 
kissed both and said: "Oh, dear mamma and little brother, 
I am so glad to find you." The little boy began to talk and 
inquired if papa would be home to-night. Mamma does not 
know ; papa has gone away for a time and does not know just 
when he will return. "Well, can't we go for a drive?" 
"No, dear, not now; mamma is not well." Yet she looked 
to me perfectly well. Little Faith said: " Papa goes away 
sometimes and mamma cries and cries so much ! I wish he 
would not do so, for mamma is so good." 



104 BEYOND. 

I could understand it now. This was one of those homes 
where all is gorgeous to look at, but where hearts are 
breaking for loving words from the one they call husband. 
Such mockery ! How are such punished in Heaven ? 
Surely, they do not escape. 

I thought we could influence her papa not to do so wrong- 
fully, but she said : " No; mamma has, lots of times, but he 
tells her to mind her own affairs, and mamma always does 
now, but she does not feel very happy. I wish I could take 
her home with us, don't you ?" "Yes, my dear; but we will 
see what we can do here." 

We did not leave this home for some time. We could 
see that there was going to be a change here before long, 
and perhaps we could do some good. 

I thought it best to call Susan, as I was not experienced 
enough to know just what to do and my little guide did 
not. So we passed outside and called for Susan. Very 
soon she came, walking up to the house. I was glad to see 
her and explained how everything was here. She said : 
" Yes, my dear father ; I see all and we can help them ; 
can help the sorrowing one." We once more passed into the 
home and remained close by Faith's mamma and brother. 

At night the father returned ; was intoxicated and cruel. 
The mother's heart was breaking for one word of love but 
it came not. He did not have any love for his own. He 
had company in his rooms below and all drank freely to 
the health of some women, not their own wives. It was 
heart-rending. The mother raised her hands in prayer of 
thankfulness that her little girl had not to go through such 
suffering, but was now at home with the angels. 



BEYOND. 105 

We brought comfort to her, and she became partially 
under our influence before retiring and saw her darling by 
her side. She returned to the room where her little boy 
was sleeping, and such a prayer as that mother offered up 
will call the angels from Heaven to her rescue. May the 
angels bless and protect all mothers and wives who are 
thus afflicted ! She fully believed that she had seen her 
darling child and it was a great comfort to her. 

Soon after retiring for the night, she was informed by 
one of the servants that her husband was sick ; would she 
come down ? On entering the room she learned that he 
had not breathed for some time. She forgot all his wrong- 
doing, thought not of her suffering in her anxiety to help 
him in this time of need. But all was of no avail, for his 
life had fled. 

We will pass over this part of the scene and the account 
of the suffering of this wife and mother and learn how thi 8 
husband and father was received in Heaven. 

We left Faith with her mamma, to cheer and sustain the 
broken hearted one in the earth home. She came close to 
her mother and infused a spirit of faith and trust into the 
soul of her dear one which enabled her to meet the trial 
and separation nobly and more trustingly lean upon angel 
ministrations. 

We returned to the spirit world to learn how such men 
are received and what their spiritual condition is upon 
awaking in the new life. Susan thought she knew just 
where to find him, and sure enough she was correct. 

We found him in one of the most wretched spots of mis- 
ery on the spirit side of life. There were a great many 



106 BEYOND. 

more there, but they Avere so confused that they did not 
see each other. He was walking along and would every 
now and then fall. This I did not understand then, but 
learn that as we live on earth, just as we are at the time of 
leaving the body, so we find ourselves on reaching the 
spirit world. There is no change mentally. If you have 
been keeping bad company, if you have wicked thoughts- 
of any kind, you take all with you. In other words, you 
take your natural conditions and no other. Here you can- 
not harm or corrupt others, but can find others of a like 
nature and mingle together for a time. After a while you 
will become despondent, miserable, discontented and yearn 
for other and better conditions. 

This particular class of persons will find their greatest 
suffering to come from thirst for something they cannot 
find here. After that passes away, there comes another 
change to the thoughts that sting and torment, things come 
up to them that they have neglected to do in earth life. 
Loved faces appear before them, especially of those they 
have wronged and neglected, and it becomes a place of the 
greatest unhappiness. 

None are happy in this place where we found Faith's 
father. They soon wish for better things. Then the 
angels listen to their cry and come to their rescue. After 
they are helped out of this condition, they have many 
others to pass through that will not be pleasant, before 
they can be called pure. All thoughts are plainly seen 
here in this life. There is no covering up bad thoughts ; 
you cannot say one thing and mean another, without the 
deception being seen by all. 



BEYOND. 107 

Our happiness here depends entirely on ourselves. To 
be happy here at first, we must have lived a pure life 
on earth, doing all the good possible to our fellow 
man. You need not go very far to lend a helping 
hand to some worthy fellow creature. After taking the 
best possible care of loved ones at home, reach out a 
helping hand to those in need. You will always find God's 
poor all around you. Never seek foreign missionary work 
until your own and the needy in your own neighborhood 
are taken care of. Do not starve your own to feed others. 
Overcome selfishness as much as is possible, in justice to 
your own. The wrong that has been done can be blotted 
out by living a better life after seeing the error. You are 
not damned for wrong doing, unless you choose to be ; and 
no one chooses to be. Every one in time realizes the 
wrong that has been done and is helped out of that 
wretchedness. 

If you do not come here pure from earth life, you 
must become so before you can mingle with the pure 
and lovely here. We do not progress here until we make 
up our mind to do so, and till then the pure pass us by. 
That is why so many who lived together in earthly condi- 
tions as man and wife do not meet here for a long time, 
and in some cases never do. They are not drawn to each 

► other. There is no discord here where the pure in heart 
reign. It is love and happiness we are looking for and we 
go on looking until we find it. 

This man, Faith's father, had been living a life of decep- 
tion and cruelly neglected to love and cherish his wife all 



108 BEYOND. 

a very natural question to ask. If there has been no true 
love between them, they will take different paths here. In 
this case, the wife does love him with her whole soul and 
he will be drawn to her in time. 

I have described the condition we found him in. At 
another time we found him in his earth home where his 
wife is broken hearted over her loneliness and thoughts of 
his wrong doings. He sees himself standing by his own, 
Avorn out neglected body. Here his life comes before him 
in all its varied phases of deception and wrong doing. He 
realizes that death came through his habits and with un- 
told wretchedness to those he should have sheltered, loved 
and protected. He is miserable and cries for mercy. His 
conscience is now tormenting him. He attempts to tell his 
wife that he is not dead ; that he is by her side and that he 
is sorry for all the wrong he has done her ; but she cannot 
hear him. He cannot now reach her by the sound of his 
voice and is in a miserable condition. He cannot en- 
dure this scene of a wife and mother's agonizing sorrow. 
He loses all remembrance of his surroundings and will reap 
an he has sown. 

How long he remained in this condition he cannot tell, but 
he finally awakens to find himself in a place, apparently 
nil alone. Trees are green, large and beautiful, but he is 
lonely. His thoughts are such that he is wild with regrets 
for what he has done. He remains in this state for some 
time. Finally a change comes over him and he wishes for 
something better. He wishes to become a better man 
and would gladly try if he could find the way. He fully 
realizes that he is in the spirit world and looks longingly 



BEYOND. 109 

for some one to help him. He longs and looks for some 
deliverance from this place of wretchedness, bnt no one 
comes to him and he wonders if he must always remain 
here alone. He remembers that his little Faith is some- 
where among the angels and calls for her, his darling 
child that he had neglected so much while on earth. 
Would she come to him, who had never been a loving 
father to her? 

Here we will leave him and learn if the angels hear the 
cry and call of those who have caused so many heartaches 
and days of sadness, or will they leave him to work out 
his own salvation ? 

He wandered about from place to place, restless, excited 
and lonesome. The stillness became almost unbearable. 
He could see his wrong doings so clearly now, and felt that 
if he could only live over again on earth he would be true 
and kind to those who loved him, as well as to others. He 
again and again called for some one to help him, but no one 
came, and he threw himself down on the grass and wept 
like a child. 

Now Susan went to him, put her hands upon his head, 
and he passed into a deep sleep, as you would say, but he 
was in an unconscious state. Then we both called for the 
children of Summer Land. They came running and sing- 
ing, but all stopped as soon as they saw us, then came close 
to us, and Susan told them that this was little Faith's 
papa, who had not been a good papa always, but now 
wished to be. Would they help him ? " Oh, yes ; we will ! 
We will gather flowers and everything pretty for him," 
and away they ran. Soon they came back with as many 



110 BEYOND. 

flowers as they could carry, and covered him all up, then 
took hold of hands and surrounded him, all waiting so quiet 
that not a sound could be heard. 

Soon at a distance we could hear a clear voice singing : 

"lam coming, I am coming, papa darling, 
I am coming now to you ; 
Yes, the angels hear you calling, 
I am coming now to you." 

And my little Faith came running to us, so happy ! She 
walked to her papa, put her arms around his neck, smoothed 
his face with her hands, and said : "Papa, open your eyes 
and see ; your dear little girl is here with thee." 

He opened his eyes and was bewildered and aston- 
ished, looking at himself, then at the little ones, at Faith 
in particular, and cried out : " Oh, why do you all come to 
laugh at my suffering? Let me hide myself." Little 
Faith said : " Papa, don't you know your little girl ?" He 
looked at her again and exclaimed : " Oh, my darling one ! 
You have come to me, your papa, who never had a kind 
word for you. You have come to help such a miserable 
sinner as I am. I do not deserve it." Faith said : " Papa, 
all your wrongs can be made right if you try to do better. 
You will, I am sure. I will help you ; will show you the 
way, some day, but now must leave you in the care of 
others." 

" No, no, little Faith ; do not leave your papa." 

" I must go, dear papa ; but, if you choose, we will meet 
again. I am your little girl still, but you do not need me 
now." 



BEYOND. Ill 

" Yes, I do ; do not leave me, darling. Stay with your 
papa." 

She rose up into the air before him, surrounded with a 
glorious light, and was truly angelic. Then, raising her 
hands in prayer, she said : " Father in Heaven, I leave him 
in thy care." Then she threw kisses to him, and passed 
away, and all the little ones with her. 

I was surprised to see Faith do this way, but soon learned 
why. He called for her, but no answer came. Again he 
was alone. Soon I saw a man with white hair and a very 
kind face coming, who said : " My dear one, can I help you 
in any way ?" " Oh, yes ! I want my little girl." " Yes, 
I know this ; but you cannot have her presence because the 
lessons you are required to learn will take you in another 
direction. When all is learned, you will meet her; not 
before." 

" She is my child, and should obey my wishes." 

"She always did in earth life. Did you always obey 
your Heavenly Father's wishes ? Did you do your duty 
to those under your care? Did you help the poor and 
needy? Did you live so as to call the angels from heaven 
to your side ? I will let you answer." 

" Oh, no ; but I do now wish to do better." 

"I am glad to know this, and am here to help you. But 
until you have become free from sin and pure in heart y©u 
cannot be with little Faith." 

" Please show me the way. I am anxious to do any- 
thing to become happy." 

He was led to another place very much like this, only 
there were a few flowers and many people, where he was 



112 BEYOND. 

informed that the first lesson to learn was to " do unto 
others as you wish them to do unto you." Should he meet 
any who are unhappy, tell them what he had seen and been 
promised. In that way he would prepare the way for 
future progression and happiness. 

The angel then passed out of his sight, but near enough 
to look on. The man looked around and finally walked to 
a person who was feeling very unhappy, and said : 

"How do you do ? Where did you come from ?" 

Here old acquaintances met. He was one who had been 
much to blame for his wrong doings. The greeting was, 
"Oh George, is that you? Help me out of this place. I 
want to go back and tell my wife how sorry I am for what 
I have done. Can you help me ? I am sorry for much 
that I have done and wish I was in a better place, if they 
have any here." His friend had not been here long and 
was not certain as he could be of any assistance, but would 
try. One thing he was certain of, however, and that was, 
that he was as unhappy as any one could be, " and possibly 
we can help each other." 

In this spirit they accompanied each other and were 
lifted out of unhappy conditions in the effort to help each 
other ; and by lending a helping hand to those in sorrow 
and disappointment they finally passed into higher condi- 
tions, but it would be a long time before they could reach 
the state of happiness that little Faith was in. 

We left these boon companions here and returned to 
little Faith's mother and there found our darling hovering 
over her, giving sweet thoughts and appearing to her 
frequently while at rest, or in dreamland as the mother 






BEYOND. 113 

supposed, yet as real as life. We saw that the mother 
and darling brother were coming to us very soon, for we 
saw a fatal disease sweeping many from earth life, and 
knew that they would be among the victims. 

Little Faith could hardly wait to welcome her loved 
ones into the new life, where all would be so happy. While 
on the bed of sickness the mother talked of Heaven and 
her darling Faith. Would she meet the darling child? 
The little brother passed away one day before the mother 
and we received both of them in our home here. 

Susan and Faith gathered a great quantity of flowers 
and made a couch and placed it in our home. The couch 
was first covered with pink silk, the pillow with beautiful 
lace. The canopy of thin goods was drawn back so as to 
form a little room by itself. Paths, steps and all inside 
the home were scattered over with flowers. When all was 
completed, we three returned to Faith's mother and found 
the change was near. Faith stood at one side of the bed, 
Susan and myself at the other. Many earth friends were 
there doing all that could be done to relieve the sufferer. 

Before the soul left the mortal form she opened her eyes 
and bid her friends farewell and passed into another tem- 
porary slumber from which she awoke and exclaimed, 
" Oh ! my darling little Faith !" and then passed into the 
last sleep upon the earth side of life. 

As the soul or spirit leaves the body the chill of mortal 
death creeps up from the feet to the brain. Then the new 
birth commences and gradually becomes complete. We 
saw this process going on and remained quietly waiting for 
the spirit form to become perfected. When this was done 



114 BEYOND. 

the spiritual, or new body remained in a standing position 
directly over the old form of clay. Then there came a 
time of unconsciousness to her. We then surrounded her 
and received her in our arms and carried her thus to our 
home in Heaven and placed her upon the couch beside her 
little boy, who had passed away a few hours before and 
was held in that state, as we desired to prevent him from 
missing his mamma. 

Little Faith was now holding her mother's hand and all 
were waiting for mother and child to awaken into the new 
life. Soon the mother awoke and recognized her darling 
Faith at once, but did not know where she was. On look- 
ing by her side saw her darling boy and said : " My 
darling Faith, how came we all together? Where are 
we?" 

" Oh, mamma, you are now in Heaven, where there will 
be no more parting in tears and sorrow." 



My darling child, is this really y 



oil 



9 „ 



"Yes ; all me. Are you not glad ? I wish my brother 
would awake." 

At this the mother looked all around, saw us and in- 
quired who we were. Faith assured her that Susan was 
an angel that she would love dearly, that I was her other 
papa, and that we had helped her to come where she was. 

She thanked us and said that she did not understand 
how all this had been done, but was very glad to be here 
with her darling children and inquired if she could always 
remain here with them. 

Then little Faith made passes over her little brother and 
he awoke, calling for his mamma, and she took him in her 



BEYOND. 115 

arms so naturally that he did not realize that any change 
had happened. Upon looking around, he exclaimed : 
" Pretty, pretty mamma ; tee pretty sings." 

Faith was now perfectly happy. After a time the 
mother arose from the couch and we all passed out to look 
at the beautiful scenery around us. 

Susan was now called once more to some place to lift up 
the suffering, and she bade us good-by. I remained for 
some time, as the mother had much to tell and needed ad- 
vice. I finally asked little Faith if she did not think she 
had better remain always with her mother and brother, as 
they would need some one to show them the way we do 
things here. 

" Oh, yes ; but what will you do ? I promised to be 
your little girl, but I did not think my mamma and 
brother were coming so soon." 

" Yes, dear ; I know that, but I can find another little 
one, I think. Tour place is by your mother's side, now. 
So I will leave you all here, and go to Summer Valley to 
find another little guide. Please make yourselves con- 
tented here, for this is your home until you can find one 
you like better. What shall I tell the children for you, 
little Faith ? " 

"Oh, tell them that I am very happy, because my 
mamma and little brother are here with me, and ask them 
to come and see us." 

Then I left and soon found myself in Summer Valley. I 
stopped and .looked at the children, and it made me think 
of a lot of little chickens, all busy hunting after some- 
thing. Here and there was a mother, watching over them, 



116 BEYOND. 

explaining this and that, for outdoors is where they learn 
their lessons ; no poorly ventilated school houses here for 
our little ones. 

Soon they saw me, and what a change took place ! Each 
stopped and picked up something to show and came run- 
ning to meet me with : " Hello ! How is little Faith ? " 
"Where is our little Faith?" I was fairly puzzled to 
know what to say, but succeeded after a time in getting in 
a word. Such chattering, like a lot of birds ! This place 
suited me and I made up my mind to remain for some 
time and did so. 

I found Libby here, very happy and contented. The 
little ones would coax me to sit down and then fix me up 
" pretty," as they thought, and if that had been a possi- 
bility, they would have succeeded in doing so. They 
would cover me with flowers and vines, and hang flowers 
on my ears for earrings. I asked one if she was not " a 
little proud," and she said : " Yes ; ain't you ? You look 
as though you was, but I love you lots ! " 

I finally thought I had better return, but they all said 
that they needed a grandpa very much and if I would 
stay they would give me much to do ; which I do not 
doubt, as I had been there for some time and had been on 
the go every minute. 

I enjoyed it very much, however, and finally told them 
about little Faith having to remain with her mamma and 
I had really come for another little girl ; did they know of 
any I could have ? Well, I never saw such faces ! They 
all got up and arranged their dresses, fixed back their 
hair and said : " We will every one of us go ; can we ? " 



BEYOND. 117 

I really would like to have had some one choose for me, as 
I loved them all. 

Finally I decided to take four, two little girls and two 
little boys. "Now," I said, "which will come?" Two 
little boys came forward and said : " Do you think we will 
do ? " Yes ; I would like to have them come. Then two 
little girls came in the same way. The girls' names are 
Dottie and Nellie. Dottie was four years old and Nellie 
thirteen. The boys' names are Clemmy, eight years, and 
little Joe, six years old. 

I now delivered little Faith's message and told them that 
I would come back after a time and take them with me. 
When I returned we bade them all good-by and I re- 
turned to Susan's home with my family of four beautiful 
little ones. Before reaching Susan's home I learned that I 
had my hands full with only four. 

Children here are just like any children, except that they 
are always happy. Dottie and Joe are about as full of 
mischief as they could very well hold, but I love them 
dearly. They would not get out of my sight, but such 
running and jumping, such times of learning lessons ; such 
joyous times I never saw except among children. 

Such questions would they ask! I did not attempt to an- 
swer all the questions. Little Joe asked me where I came 
from and what made my hair so thin; he had not seen any- 
one before with such thin hair. " You must have been 
rery bad sometime." I did not attempt to answer about 
ly thin hair, but told him that I was very old and maybe 
that was why I did not have very much hair. This seemed 
to satisfy him, as he said: "Oh, well; all right, then." We 



118 BEYOND. 

remained at Susan's home for some time. When I went to 
my place of duty I left them in her care. 

My work here has been to visit places of unhappiness in 
the spirit world and lift up poor souls that I find there. 
Having described the condition of Faith's father when he 
first came here, it will not be necessary to repeat. When 
I write you of wicked places, or places of unhappiness, I 
simply mean the spot where the wicked find themselves 
upon coming here. There are no places of sin here ; no 
places where wrong doing can be carried on. Every one is 
glad to do right after a time. If any have evil thoughts, 
they find themselves all alone, where they cannot do any 
harm. I remained in this work for some time before being 
called away to get ready for some of my own to enter the 
happiness in readiness for them. 

H. B. Kenyon. 






BEYOND. 119 



IX. 



Father Kenyan's Home. 

The time was finally nearing when your mother was to 
come into this new life and I began in earnest to find a 
place that just suited me for a home, and finally found a lit- 
tle spot that answered my longings and pleased my fancy. 
The front in the place where I would build my home lay 
quite level, and back of it was a high hill. A river ran by 
and there were little points jutting into the water, making 
a beautiful shore. Trees were very nice and large back of 
the spot and there was a little island quite near where the 
home would be. This island would be very pretty to look 
at and a great addition to the natural scenery. I could 
easily build a bridge across the river to it. Yes; this was 
the place for my home. 

After taking a long look at this place I returned to Su- 
san's home for my little ones and Susan and returned. All 
were pleased with the spot, and soon Susan returned and 
left us to plan for our home. 

We decided on the rustic style and began to look around 
for the material to use. We had not gone far when Nellie 
found a flat stone, just the kind for a walk, but Dottie 
thought moss would be much nicer, and finally moss and Dot- 
tie carried the day for the walks. We found moss plenty, and 
when ready commenced the walks as you would, by plac- 
ing the moss on the grass close together, the same as you 
would sod. The light green moss on the dark green grass 
made a beautiful walk. 

Looking for material for building developed the traits of 



12 o BEYOND. 

the little ones. Nellie was best for arranging things, 
Dottie was the quickest to find things needed, little Joe 
was a big talker and Clemmy was the worker. Grandpa 
was to be the "boss." 

After the walk was finished, we commenced to look for 
material for the house. Dottie thought that all we had to 
do was to say, " please, dear God, we want a house " and 
it would come ; " see if it don't." Little Joe thought 
that way would not work, so we started off to find the 
wood required and soon found log after log, all covered 
with moss, just what we wanted. "Now, didn't I tell you 
so ? " said Dottie. " Yes; you said so, but you just didn't 
know for sure, did you ? " " Why, yes; of course." Each 
picked up a log and returned with it and soon we had all 
we required for the house and then began the building. 

Our house was to be of the rustic style and Nellie 
thought it would be nice to have four large openings, equal 
distance apart, for windows. We do not need any glass, 
so we left places for the windows and doors. The house 
is nearly round, roof pointed, all made out of round logs. 
There is a veranda all around the house. The steps were 
made out of logs also, as we decided not to have any stone, 
but to make it wholly of wood. Joe wanted a fence on one 
side, so he could jump over it and we found some small 
limbs just suited to our use and made Joe's fence. Dottie 
was not pleased with a bare fence and found a nice vine, 
like the morning glory, and planted it and soon had a 
beautiful screen. 

At this stage of our work, little Joe said he must have 
a dog. Clemmy thought he would like one too; and they 



BEYOND. 121 

went away looking for dogs. They were gone some time 
and I wondered where they were, when they came running 
back, each with a dog. 

I was not aware that there were any dogs here and in- 
quired where and how they found them. Joe said : " We 
were looking for dogs and finally heard one bark and that 
was the way I found out where they were. They are in a 
sort of valley and there are a great many different kinds. 
I saw one I wanted and called him but he did not come, 
'cause he had no name, you know. So I went to him and 
patted him on the head. He is a large, curly, white fel- 
low. Then he acted as though he had always known me 
and was glad to come with me." Clemmy's is a large, 
black one. Both are Newfoundlands, and beautiful crea- 
tures. One we named " Whitef oot," and the other " Black- 
foot." 

Dottie decided that the dogs must behave or she would 
tell them to go home again, but the boys were certain that 
they were all right and would cause no trouble. They ap- 
peared to know almost as much as we did, and do many 
things nearly as well as the boys. 

We were interrupted here in our work on the home for 
a time, as I was called once more to help some one in 
trouble and sorrow. This time it was one who was very 
dear to me. The little ones accompanied me and we went 
to our friend in sorrow and sickness and worked faithfully 
to cast aside the coming trouble, but it could not be. The 
loved one must leave her home and loved ones in earth 
life. The physical was not strong enough to resist the 
disease that was consuming her lungs. When the hour 
6 



122 BEYOND. 

came for her to leave the mortal, we received her spirit 
home and administered to her every want. I was the first 
to meet our Adelaide, but will leave her to describe the 
meeting and her thoughts on entering this beautiful home 
of rest. 

We once more took up our work of home building. 
After finishing the walk and house outside, we turned our 
efforts first to a fountain. We found stones for the basin 
and formed it into shapes leaving four small holes for 
water to pass through ; also made a low rustic railing 
around it. Little Dottie gathered vines and planted them 
for a covering to the railing. Clemmy thought we would 
have a hard time getting water into the basin, but you re- 
member that we have a river close at hand and we formed 
a little narrow trench between the fountain and river, 
then found hollow limbs sufficient to reach from one to the 
other; laid them down nicely connected and covered them 
up. The water did not flow at first, but soon there was a 
beautiful spray thrown up in the air. Susan told us the 
way to do that. There is a way to do everything and this 
was one thing that could not be accomplished by wishing. 

Our fountain was a perfect success. The birds come 
and drink and bathe in it. The children get in and bathe 
as naturally as on earth. They get as wet as possible but 
never drown; seem to float like feathers. The children 
also have great times playing in the river with their dogs. 

We next went in search of flowers for our windows. 
Nellie decided to have a different kind for each window. 
We found for one, something like portulacca ; for the 
second one, forget-me-nots ; for the third a climbing rose; 



BEYOND. 123 

and for the other, a scarlet creeper. The leaves of this 
last vine are scarlet and beautiful. We went a long dis- 
tance from home to find the thing that suited for the door. 
Joe concluded that he knew where there was something 
nice. It was a long way from here, but it is very pretty; 
and we started to find Joe's place, " a long way off, where 
there was some flowers so very nice." 

We passed many places, and began to suspect that Joe 
was on a wild goose hunt, but he said no ; he had been 
there and a good many other places with his mamma. I 
really thought he would lose his way, but he said : " It is 
just around this bend; " and sure enough it was. There 
was a very rocky place, with stones as high as the house 
and water running all around them very swiftly, causing 
the place to look wild and rough. There was grass beyond 
the water, which had grown very tall and was swaying 
back and forth with the breeze. The trees here were of a 
different kind from any I had seen, and looked like 
pine. I told Joe that I didn't think this a very nice place, 
nor did he, but there was some very nice vine here on a 
rock. 

" My mamma said that here was where naughty folks 
come;" but we could see none. Nellie said we were not 
in the right condition to see them, but there were many of 
them here. Susan said that if we were to wish to help some 
one, we would soon see a great many people. We did so, 
and saw a wonderful crowd of very discontented people 
who were anxious to get away, and could also see others 
who were trying to lift them up. Yes; here was another 
place of work. Joe said he thought they would be better 



124 BEYOND. 

after awhile; "now let us get our plant." I did not wish 
to leave here, but would finish our home ; then would 
take up my work once more, and here. 

We all climbed upon a large rock and found Joe's wonder- 
ful vine. It was bright yellow, had a leaf like a fern and 
was very beautiful. We gathered all we could carry, re- 
turned home and planted it each side of the doors. It 
made a lovely border all around the door casings and paid 
us richly for the long search for it. 

Now the question of the carpet came up, and we decided 
on green moss. There was only one room in the home. I 
liked this idea, because we then would all be together. Nellie 
called the forget-me-not window hers. Dottie selected 
the scarlet vine 'cause she liked red best. Clemmy had the 
rose and Joe the portulacca. Here all raised their hands 
in surprise and said : " Why, dear grandpa, where is 
yours? " Yes; they all wanted me to take theirs and were 
sorely troubled. They came and put their arms around 
me, hugged and kissed me ; wanted me to take all the 
windows and they would take the doors. 

As soon as I could get a word in, I told them that we 
could fix it all right; that I would rather have the center 
of the room, then I could see all their pretty ways. And 
that settled the trouble. 

We must have chairs, and decided on rustic rockers, with 
little vines covering them. They are very easy and pretty, 
as you will see, some time. We have chairs on the porch 
also, as we enjoy visiting there. 

Now I thought we had everything nicely fixed and pro- 
posed to go over to the Island and make improvements 



BEYOND. 125 

but Nellie thought best to finish the home first. I thought 
it was about right now; "what more was to be done?" 
She said they wanted " some pictures and little things." 
This was a new idea to me and I wondered how they could 
get pictures, and what they would think of next. " Well, 
where can we get pictures ? " Nelly assured me that she 
knew "a mamma that paints pretty things just to give 
away," and she would go and see her. After a little time 
she returned with three little girls, all with arms full of pretty 
things, and some pictures which required frames. We 
framed some with light green and others with scarlet moss. 

I let them do this work, as they were delighted and very 
enthusiastic about decorating the home. Finally, all was 
complete, and they were satisfied. Then I told the boys 
we would see about carts for the dogs. Joe wanted one 
with a red cushion and a big whip. Dottie objected to 
the whip, because "folks would think your dog was 
naughty," and though he thought a whip would "look 
nice," it was given up, and he concluded that he didn't 
need one, anyhow. 

I did not know how we were to get the carts, but had 
seen stranger things done, and decided that we would go 
and see Susan about it. She knew where they could be 
found ; so all of us started for that place. I think it must 
have been a great ways from our home, for we were some 
time going. When we came there, we found a large platform 
with a vine covered roof, and on the platform were very 
many different carts ; no two alike. There were large and 
small ones for boys and dolls, and there were very many 
little folks selecting to suit their fancy. 



126 BEYOND. 

There were a great many grown people here making 
these things. They would rub their hands together, make 
different motions and passes just as though they had the 
material to work with, and soon a cart would begin to 
form and come out just to suit you. I do not understand 
this at all. I only know that there is a way here to get all 
our hearts desire, if we are worthy. 

The children were very happy now. The boys selected 
carts and harnesses for their dogs, and the girls selected 
doll carts, and finally the dogs were harnessed to their 
carts, and each loaded with a boy, girl and doll cart, and 
started for home, the happiest group of boys, girls and 
dogs, you can imagine. The dogs appeared to enter into 
the enjoyment, and acted as though they were really of 
some account now. 

I never saw anything that gave me so much pleasure as 
this one event, and I always look back to it with so much 
pleasure that I find myself wishing they wanted another 
one, but no ; the first one is the very best of all. They 
wanted me to ride, but I could see no place for my foot 
even, say nothing about my whole person, so I walked by 
their side. I never heard such happy talking and laughing 
as homeward we came. 

As we came in sight of home, they started off on a race. 
I fairly held my breath for fear they might tip over, but 
no ; all landed right side up, and reached the porch at the 
same time. When I came up they said : " Grandpa, we love 
you very much; aren't you glad? You are always going 
to let us stay with you ?" " Yes ;" and I wondered what all 
the other children would like in the way of playthings. 



BEYOND. 127 

It appears that until the children are taken away from 
Summer Valley hy some one, they live there in happiness 
and contentment, knowing of no other place that is more 
interesting. Until older ones take them for their own 
little darlings, they do not call for other playthings than 
are furnished them there. Children from Summer Valley 
come to visit us, but do not seem to wish for any of our 
playthings, ndr do they appear to he so well satisfied as in 
Summer Valley. They always express a wish to return 
after they have had a good romping visit. They love their 
home nest best, and I do not wonder at it, for I have never 
seen so lovely a place as Summer Valley. 

Now that the children were contented and happy with 
their dogs, carts, dolls and playthings, we turned our atten- 
tion to the Island. We built a bridge over the river of a 
rustic pattern to match the house and found on the Island 
a great quantity of beautiful shells. The children brought 
some home in their carriages, placing them around the 
flower beds and in the house. We went over to "im- 
prove " the Island, but found it perfect already. 

Now, having completed our home, I left the little ones 
there to enjoy themselves, while I once more began my 
missionary work. We received visits from Susan and the 
children from Summer Valley, so that your Adelaide did 
not become discontented in our home, nor was I inter- 
rupted in my work for some time. I seldom had my lit- 
tle ones accompany me in my missionary work for I did 
not want them to become at all familiar with such scenes 
of distress, so they remained at home, learning their every- 
day lessons, surrounded by loving care and happy conditions. 



128 BEYOND. 

We have no night here, but do experience a change that 
lasts about as long as your night. Then there comes a 
shadow of darkness, as though the sun had gone down with 
you, more like your bright moonlight. Were we to re- 
turn to you at this time we would find your night there. 
There is a dew here often enough to keep everything in 
the best condition to live. This does not come every time 
the dim light does, though. 

Mother KenyorCs Arrival. — Time passed without much 
change in my work among the unfortunate. At home the 
children would receive visits from the little ones in Summer 
Valley and went there quite often, until the time was not 
far off for your mother's arrival here in her home of 
rest. 

We can see these events some time in advance and have 
time to prepare our home for the reception. For her, we 
made a large chair and covered it with downy moss and 
placed a large bouquet of flowers at its side. There were 
flowers in every nook and coiner of the home, which filled 
the room with sweet perfume. We made a frame around 
the chair and draped a curtain so as to form a little room 
around it. 

When all was completed, my little ones accompanied me 
to the old home and there remained until she passed out 
of mortal suffering. Then we carried her to our home in 
the beautiful Beyond and placed her in the chair among 
the flowers and sat down by her side to await the final 
awakening. After awhile she awoke, just as you would 
from a natural sleep and was very much surprised at find- 
ing everything so strangely beautiful. Her first words 



BEYOND. 129 

were, " Why, what has happened ? Where am I ? My dear 
husband, is that you ?" 

I explained it all to her, but it was some time before she 
could get things right. She was as greatly surprised as 
myself at the change and did not find Heaven as she ex- 
pected. For many days she would sit on the porch and 
rest. The children were very much attached to her from 
the first. They introduced the wonderful dogs and mother 
enjoyed watching them very much. 

We were all very happy now. The children would go 
with mother to Summer Valley quite often, as she was 
very happy with so many children. One time when mother 
and I were taking a walk, she inquired how it was possible 
for us to have made such a mistake about Heaven and also 
inquired if I had seen our Heavenly Father yet. I assured 
her that I had not and did not now expect to for a long time, 
but hoped to reach that condition sometime. Libbie and 
Susan made us long visits, and mother returned to their 
home with them to visit and was very happy. Nellie be- 
ing the older one of the girls is a great help to mother in 
going from one place to another. 

My missionary work is greatly among the class who are 
called " shadows " here. They are persons who lived on 
earth amid scenes of amusement and intemperance ; per- 
sons who at heart are generous and social in their inter- 
course with their fellow mortals ; persons whose habits 
overrule their judgment ; persons who seldom stop to rea- 
son with themselves and thereby see where their habits will 
surely lead them. I am one of many who devote very 
much of our life on this side to reclaiming these souls and 



130 BEYOND. 

starting them on the way to ultimate happiness and the 
companionship of those they should have loved more singly 
while in earth life. No soul is lost ; and we are always made 
glad hy leading these poor, misguided ones out of their 
misery into the path that will lead them into a condition of 
contentment and happiness. 

There are many experiences in earth life that are looked 
back to with sadness by those who lived dissipated and 
thoughtless lives, for there were ever, and still are, two 
very plainly marked paths that mortals are ever found 
following : one is the right, and the other the wrong. And 
though there is no question as to which leads to future 
happiness, very many in mortal life do, and ever have 
blindly followed the winding way of wrong doing from 
day to day, thinking that some day they will find an open 
way, some side-path, leading direct to happiness in Hea- 
ven ; hoping that through some influence or other, they 
will reach the beautiful country beyond the sunset of mor- 
tal life and enjoy the glorious harvest they should have 
prepared in earth life. 

No one intends to come to this country of the Beyond 
unprepared, but very many do, because they put off the day 
to turn from evil ways until some day the result of bad 
habits overtakes them and they are unexpectedly called 
upon to lay down the mortal and put on the spiritual. Then 
they stand face to face with the inevitable, and soon learn 
the sorrowful lesson that a life of wrong doing surely leads 
to misery in the new life in the Beyond. 

The old and familiar saying among men that " as you 
sow, so must you reap " ever has been and always will re- 



BEYOND. 131 

main true. You cannot live a life of wrong and escape the 
effect of that life upon entering the beautiful world on this 
side the river. Wrong and deception may he cloaked there, 
hut here we are not seen as through a glass, dimly. Here 
we are taken for all we are, and no more. 

There is a wonderful glow of happiness on this side for 
those who have lived a life of love and right while on earth, 
and to those who have not there will surely be suffering 
that words fail to describe ; and while it is a fact that all 
will finally be made happy, who can explain the volume of 
suffering that would have been avoided by leading a life of 
righteousness on earth ? 

It is the little things in everyday life that tell the story. 
It is one step at a time that leads to the end of the journey. 
A little seed lovingly scattered as you journey along will 
spring up along your path and mark the way you 
trod. Every day should be a stepping stone for the to- 
morrow. Then all would be ready to meet the angel of 
new life and pass through the golden gate into this beau- 
tiful country with joy and gladness to meet loved ones who 
are ever waiting and watching for dear ones to come down 
to the river's edge, so that they can ferry them safely over 
to the Summer Land. 

The time again came when I was summoned to assist a 
dear one to come into this new life. This time it was my 
youngest son. Yes ; my youngest child, who should have 
remained in earth life many years, that he could have 
learned earth's lessons more fully. Sad and sorrowful as is 
the truth, it must be recorded that his habits were the sole 
cause of the unexpected summons that came for him to lay 



132 BEYOND. 

aside the mortal and put on the immortal, or be clothed in 
spiritual raiment that he was not prepared for. 

He had known for some time that he must change his 
habits or all would not be well, but he put off the time too 
long. The summons came when unexpected and he passed 
away from his loved ones so quickly that he could not give 
the parting word to those dear to him. He was full of 
physical strength but the brain became paralyzed so that he 
did not recognize any one during the last hours. He fully 
realized that the change known as death with you was 
taking place with him. 

When he fully realized that the change had come, he 
was surprised, for he saw himself standing beside his mortal 
body. He appeared to be all right and so did the old 
body, and he was not cei'tain but what he was seeing 
double. He was somewhat dazed, but when he saw his 
wife and children weeping over the old form, the terrible 
truth came to him that he had met the change. His voice 
seemed natural, but when he spoke to his wife she did not 
appear to hear him. There he was, outside of his own self, 
unable to make himself known, and he was very uncom- 
fortable and anxious. If he could only tell his wife that he 
was not dead but was there, it would have been a great 
relief. 

He put his arms around her but she did not appear to 
realize it and he became nearly wild with anxiety. What 
was he to do? He had not expected this change and 
had not left his business in right shape at all. She could 
not hear him and he could not help her. 

Now that he was where he could not care for her 






BEYOND. 133 

and the children as he could have done when in the 
form, past neglect and misery came before his vision and 
it was more than he could endure. Now he began to 
realize that to live rightly while in earth life, is far bet- 
ter than to live a life of neglect. Years of past neglect 
and misery came before him, and he could not endure the 
thoughts. He was bewildered and could not keep his 
thoughts upon any one thing. 

While in this condition he saw a cloud approaching him 
and he soon became enveloped in it. He did not under- 
stand this and attempted to run from it, but his limbs re- 
fused to act. He gave one call for his wife to help him 
and became unconscious. 

How long he remained in this condition he cannot tell, 
but upon awaking he was alone in a very green place. 
There were tall trees, rocks, and everything looking like a 
meadow of uncultivated ground. How long he had been 
here and how he came here, was more than he knew. He 
felt lonely and lost and could find no way out. He walked 
and walked, but would find himself finally in the same 
place he started from. He became more restless and 
thirsty, but could find no water. What was he to do? 
He must have a drink. He was nearly crazed for water 
and could find none. 

While in this uncomfortable condition, wondering where 
he was and how he came there, he saw what appeared to be 
a ball of fire nearing him. As it approached, he could dis- 
tinguish faces of persons he had known before, faces of 
friends in dissipation. He could see men sitting at tables 
eating, drinking and making merry. Yes, these were his 



134 BEYOND. 

old friends ; surely they would give him a drink. This 
ball of fire threw a strong light upon all around him and 
he thought he was once more one of them. 

He seated himself at a table and asked for something to 
quench his terrible thirst, but no one paid the least atten- 
tion to his call. When he spoke to them they did not ap- 
pear to hear him. This was misery complete. He com- 
prehended the fact that these were his old boon companions 
in earth life and heard them say: "Well, Sam, old boy, is 
where we will all go sometime. Wonder how he likes it ? 
Bet a dollar be is thirsty. Let us drink to the health of 
Sam." One of them would not talk that way about their 
old friend, for " Sam was a good hearted fellow, anyhow, 
and might be better off than they would be." " Yes, you 
are right, he was; but I would not give a cent for him now." 

And so they talked on, he remaining to hear all and be- 
coming more and more crazy for drink, so much so that he 
was in great torment. Finally one stepped forward and 
said: " I will offer one to Sam, in memoriam." He reached 
out to take the glass and the ball of fire and all rolled away 
from him. He watched it leaving and called upon his com- 
rades, but none answered and he felt that he was forsaken 
by all. 

Here in this beautiful place with green grass, tall trees 
and rocks, he sat in loneliness and thought over the past. 
His whole life passed before him like a panorama, and he 
thought that if he conld live his life over again, he would 
improve every hour for good. He was sorry and regretted 
his past life. He could see all the past, and wondered if 
there was any help for him now ; wondered if he was 



BEYOND. 135 

doomed to live always thus. He remembered his angel 
wife. Could -he ever meet her, after living such a life of 
dissipation ? He concluded that he would be ashamed to 
look into her pure, sweet face. He was now ready to 
undo, if possible, the wrongs of past years. He finally 
walked to one of the large rocks, and there sat down to 
think of some way out, and what to do. While there, he 
discovered, in a little crevice of the rock by his side, a 
little flower, perfectly white, and the first he had seen. 
He plucked it, and looked it over and over. "Simple 
little flower, how did you come here ? Only one ; how 
strange !" 

His whole being cried out in sadness at the recollection 
of other days. Tears rolled down his cheeks, and he was 
crushed with grief on account of past wrongs. He looked 
up to the sky and could see dark, dull, heavy clouds 
passing by. Finally, in the distance, he saw a cloud 
coming that looked like a bank of pure snow. It came 
nearer and nearer, and he became very much interested in 
this one white cloud that appeared to be coming toward 
him. He felt that some one was coming from some source 
to help him out of this place of wretchedness. He hoped 
that this one white cloud was an omen of deliverance, and 
he watched it closely. As it came nearer it parted, and 
all above him was beautifully lighted with a golden hue. 
From that beautiful white cloud a little child came to him 
with a little spray of evergreen, which she dropped at his 
feet and passed out of his sight again. 

He looked for her, but she had gone, and there was no 
one to be seen. He was sorely disappointed for he had in 



136 BEYOND. 

some way thought the hour of deliverance had come ; and 
he buried his head in his hands, and wept like a child 
with a broken heart. 

After the storm of grief had passed, he took up the sprig 
of evergreen and kissed it, feeling that the child had really 
come from some one who remembered and loved him 
True, he had never seen the child before, but she would 
not have been sent simply to make the situation more ter- 
rible than it then was. 

In turning the sprig over and around so us to fully enjoy 
the thoughts it created, he found a little note fastened to 
one of the branches, which read : " Look up and once more 
live. Do unto others as you wish them to do to you." 
" Yes ; this I would. If some one would come and tell 
me the way, I would gladly follow." 

Here I went to him, and laid my hand on his head, and 
he passed into a quiet sleep. In that condition I carried 
him to a place where flowers bloomed, birds were sing- 
ing, and everything was beautiful, and placed him upon 
a bed of moss. Here he remained some time before awak- 
ing. 

When he awoke and found himself in such a lovely 
place, he raised his eyes in thankfulness. He gathered 
some of the flowers at his feet, and wondered how this 
change had come about. Did he do it, or some one 
for him? "Certainly, this is wonderful. I went to sleep 
and awaken in this lovely spot ; what a wonder !" And 
he could not decide how it had come, but he was more 
contented here, and that terrible thirst had gone. There 
was a restful influence here that he had not experienced 



BEYOND. 137 

before, and he placed his hand under his head, closed his 
eyes and rested. 

While enjoying this condition, he was aroused by hear- 
ing singing in the distance. This was a great surprise, 
and he was not certain at first but he was dreaming. No ; 
he was not dreaming ; for now he could see a group of 
children running toward him, singing, laughing and happy. 
As they came closer, he saw their arms full of flowers, such 
lovely flowers as he had never beheld. When they saw 
him they stopped, and each one came up separately and 
dropped flowers upon him. 

He inquired who they were and what they did that for ? 
" Because you are not very happy." " No ; I am not, but 
you seem to be. Dear little ones, come and talk to me. I 
am very lonely and would like to have you stay with me." 
One little boy came forward and said : " No ; we cannot 
remain now. Some other time you will see us." " Why 
not remain now ? What have you to do ?" " Oh, we 
have much to do and must go now. Good-by." And 
they all disappeared before he could question them more. 

He picked up some of the flowers and was looking at 
them and wondering what it all meant, wondering who 
would next appear, also wondering what the end would be. 
He wondered how his wife and children were getting along 
without him and thought that if he could see them now he 
would do all in his power to help them. 

While thinking this thing over and wondering how he 
could now be of any use to the ones he had so suddenly left 
in earth life to struggle along without his help, he saw 
only a little way in front of him, a beautiful rainbow. It 



138 BEYOND. 

was perfect, yet there was no rain. What did it mean ? It 
came nearer and remained stationary. Then a white mist 
formed under it and through this mist he could distinguish 
a narrow path which looked like a path in the snow. 

While he was wondering what this meant and what it 
was, he saw a lady coming down the pathway. She was 
dressed in a beautiful white robe and there was a silver light 
all around her. There was a wreath of white lilies on her 
head and an anchor in her hand. She came close to him, 
put the anchor by his side and knelt down by him. All 
was perfectly quiet and she remained there for several 
minutes. He did not move, for fear that all would vanish. 
She arose and as he looked up to her face, the misty veil 
passed away, and there by his side was his own angel wife, 
who had ever been true to him in earth life and would now 
lead him into paths of righteousness and peace. 

Words of love were exchanged, all past wrongs forgiven, 
and though he felt unworthy, she lifted up his head saying : 
"My dear husband, I have seen all, and have never left 
your side, but could not until now come to you since you 
passed out of the mortal. I have given you good thoughts 
and have endeavored to uplift and help you out of your 
unhappy condition. You have a great deal to learn, but I 
will never leave you. Here there will be no parting in 
tears. Look up! Do you know who this is?" As he 
raised his eyes, he saw his father standing before him and 
he cried out : " Oh, father, forgive me ; I will do better 
now." 

With the help of the Almighty, and a loving wife, he is 
now at rest, where he will in time build a home for his 



BEYOND. 139 

loved one here and those to come, where they will all he as 
one in this life of love and true endeavor to make all happy. 
I will leave them, blessing them and remain ever ready to 
lend a helping hand to each and all who are suffering. 

In a short time our son and wife were with us in our 
home, where they will remain for a long time, as the weak 
need a strong arm to support them. . We are helping each 
other to become more perfect and strong in this world of 
love and beauty. 

Our life here is passed in different ways. There is 
something to do all the time; but we can be idle if we de- 
sire, though we are not satisfied with idleness after we 
have become fully rested from the effect of earth life. 

H. B. Kenton. 



140 BEYOND. 



What Is the Use of It ? 

To all who read this first volume of our record of real 
life over the river and Beyond, I will kindly say that if it 
were not for the untiring, unceasing efforts of loving ones 
in this beautiful country of the Beyond, the world to-day 
would be in darkness, where it now sees in the distance a 
bright shining light which leads to the heavenly home. 

To any who cannot see where the good can come from 
giving our experiences to hearts bowed down in grief, I 
will say : We come to open the door of darkness and de- 
spair which shuts in those who lose from the sight little 
gems of brightness that make a home the seat of love and 
contentment. 

To those who feel that the last ray of sunshine is forever 
shut out from their lives by the loss of a dear companion, 
we come with hearts full of love and life to lift off the 
cross which is bearing them down to mother earth, mak- 
ing them unfit for worldly duties. 

We come with words of cheer of the life we live in the 
Beyond, where all must in time come, where the new life 
will be dark or bright as it lies with each one to work out 
for himself. This mystery must be solved, one by one, 
sooner or later. We return to give you light upon the one 
great subject of "Where is our darling to-night ? " 

We do not come to make dark that which is now bright. 
We do not come committing evils which are covered by 
the mantle of society rights. No ; we come for good alone 
to those we love. We come to encourage them to meet the 



BEYOND. 141 

many trials in earth life ; to assure them of our living and 
ever loving them the same as when in the form. We 
come to assure them that we do ever linger around them 
as they toil day after day, giving them thoughts that can- 
not come from mortals, until the day when they will open 
the golden gate that leads to everlasting life, and there find 
us just as of old. 

I will now close my diary by saying to each one sep- 
arately : You have your happiness in your own keeping. 
It is impossible to wipe out a life of wrong on a sick bed 
of repentance. If you want to be happy here, you must 
live a good, true life there. Do not leave this work for the 
very last thing to be done before entering the Beyond. 
Your wrongs surely follow you, until an effort is made to 
cast them off. 

Lend a helping hand to the needy, speak kindly to those 
in distress, and do all you can to make your fellow mortal 
happy. I will say to all, and pray for all to be pure in 
heart, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Be- 
yond. 

H. B. Kenton. 



LIGHT FOR THINKERS. 

Trie Pioneer Spiritual Journal of the South. 

Issued Weekly at CHATTANOOGA, TENN. 

A. C. LADD Publisher. | G. W. KATES Editor. 

Assisted by a large corps of able writers. 

LIGHT FOR THINKERS 

Is a first class Family Newspaper of eight pages, devoted to the dissemination of 
original Spiritual and Liberal thought and news. Its columns will be found to be 
replete with interesting and instructive reading. 

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. 

One copy, one year §150 I One copy, three months § 40 

One copy, six months 75 | Five copies, one year, one address. 6 00 

Ten or more, one year, to one address, $1 each. Single copy 5 cents. Specimen 
copy free. 

THE EASTERN STAR. 

PUBLISHED AT 

GLENBURN, MAINE. 
C. M. BROWN, Publisher and Editor. 

A Journal issued Weekly, 

TO 

PEOMOTE THE INTERESTS OF SPIRITUALISM 

In the State of Maine in particular, and the world in general. 

An earnest advocate of Spiritualism in its reformatory aspects. The constant 
champion of honest mediumship. 

Terms, $1 per annum. Specimen copies free. Address, 

THE EASTERN STAR, Glenburn, Maine. 

NEW THOUGHT. 

A Vigorous Eight-page Journal, 

DEVOTED TO 

Spiritualism, General Relipos and. Political Reform. 

The organ of the Mississippi Valley Association of Spiritualists. 
Published every Saturday by 

MOSES HULL & CO., at Des Moines, la. 

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. 

Oue year $150 I Three months % 40 

Six months 75 | Specimen numbers gratis. 



THE GOLDEN GATE. 

A JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL REFORM, 

DEVOTED TO 

THE ELEVATION OF HUMANITY 

IN THIS I.IFE, 

AND 

A Search for the Evidences of Life Beyond. 



■ PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY BY THE 

"GOLDEN GATE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY," 

At 734 Montgomery St., San Francisco, Cat. 



TRUSTEES : 
AMOS ADAMS, President ; I. C. STEELE, Vice-President ; 

ABIJAH BAKER, Treasurer; Dr. JOHN ALLYN and J. J. OWEN. 

J. J. OWEN, Editor and Manager. 
Mrs. MATTIE P. OWEN, Secretary and Assistant. 



Terms :— $ 2.50 per annum, payable in advance ; $1.25 for six months. Clubs of 
five (mailed to separate addresses) $10, and extra copy to the sender. Send money by 
postal order, when possible ; otherwise by express. 

|51F" All letters should be addressed : " Golden Gate, No. 734 Montgomery 
Street, San Francisco, Cal." 

SEND FOR SAMPLE COPY. 



THE CARRIER DOVE, 

An Illustrated Monthly Magazine, 
devoted to 

. SPIRITUALISM AND REFORM. 

Edited by MRS. J. SCHLESINGER. 



Each number will contain the Portraits and Biographical Sketches of prominent 
Mediums and Spiritual workers of the Pacific Coast, and elsewhere. Also, Spirit 
Pictures by our Artist Mediums. Lectures, essays, poems, spirit messages, editorials 
and miscellaneous items. 

Dr. L. SCHLESINGER, Mrs. J. SCHLESINGER, Publishers. 
Terms: — $2.50 per year. Single copies, 25 cents. Address, 

TILE CARRIER DOVE, Oakland, Cal. 



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